[Racer Duck]

Who said restirctor plate racing was boring? Maybe it used to be, but not anymore!!! And at lap 104, or about 2/3 of the way thru the race, the average race speed was sitting at 181MPH!!!

Wonderings

• Wonder what the qualifications are for the “All You Can Eat” job at the racetrack? I might be interested if the food is free and that hottie is there to feed me!!!
• Wonder what everyone thinks about Junior's beard? Sure doesn't make him look so “clean cut” anymore...
• Wonder about these movies advertised during pre-race and race:
  • Iron Man – will you go see or not?
  • Speed Racer – will you go see or not? (Milka Duno – female IRL driver - plays the Russian villain)

The Softer Side: JPM talking to his daughter sitting in the seat of his race car before the race. Also liked how he blew off the post race reporter when he was asked about his move up in the points standings: he looked at her like she was crazy then said “there's a long way to go in the season” implying it's too early to be talking about that kind of stuff .. then he realized he was not following the “corporate line”... I'm starting to like Juablo more and more. And I'm getting a real charge out of his Juicy Fruit and Big Red commercials .. the guy is a born actor!!!

National Anthem: barely passable ... why do these people feel like they need to “entertain” during the anthem? Has nobody ever explained to them what the purpose of the Anthem is? I have no problem with putting emotion into performing it, but it's still an Anthem, not an audition!

“Gentlemen Start Your Engines!”: didn't ya just love the way Ken Butler got the crowd involved in the race?

Quotes:

• “Need to have an All Star performance from the Spotter”: Jeff Hammond
• “This place will wear you out mentally .. when you get mentally tired, that's when you make mistakes!”: Darrell Waltrip
• “World's fastest traffic jam”: Mike Joy

The Front Row: Not a good result for such a good start.

• “Front Row Joe” qualified without his alternator belt, got the pole, but spent a lot of time in the pits during the first pit stops getting it put back on. Got back near the front a few times, but was never able to capitalize on his starting position. Late in the race, it was Joe who closed down on Smoke, causing the Big One. Joe escaped, but was later collected in one of the last multi car demolitions, though he was able to run well enough afterwards to finish 25th, and on the lead lap.
• “Smoke” appeared to have the field covered .. all that is except for maybe his teammate, Denny. But, as so often happens, he had a tire go, sent him into the wall with minor sheet metal damage. After his crew replaced the tire and pulled the fender out, he was never able to show the same speed, prompting one of the announcers to observe “he must have other problems.” But, while he was (slowly) working his way to the front he got in the middle of the Big One, which finished him for the day. Smoke finished 32nd.

'Yota Power: It was clear to any who wanted to see, that the 'Yotas had the field covered when it came to power as 6 of the 8 'Yotas in the race lead at least one lap, with Smoke leading the most. In fact it was downright awe-inspiring to see Hamlin get behind random cars and push them to the front, oftentimes from 15th or farther back. Methinks some of those he pushed had white knuckles on the way forward .. certainly many didn't “recover” when Denny stopped pushing. I do believe Denny was having so much fun doing that he forgot to get into position for the “under 10 shootout”, which lead to his having to settle for the last podium spot.

Ganassi Happy to see Talladega in Rearview Mirror: And if he isn't, he ought to be. What a terrible weekend for him and 2/3rds of his teams. First Franchitti gets creamed in the NWS race, breaking his ankle. Penske agrees to make Stremme available “just for the weekend” as Dario's replacement in Cup. And David does a good job, running at the front and making lots of friends with his help pushing folks into the lead. But, he gets caught up in the last lap wreck and is stuck with a 28th place DNF. But it gets worse: Reed Sorenson blows his engine on LAP 4!!! He hadn't even got the oil up to racing temp!!! Still it wasn't all bad as Juablo cruised to the 2nd podium spot. But along the way he was responsible for an “event”: seems he was trying to pass Menard on the inside, dropped his left side tires below the yellow line, and when he saw the corner rushing towards him tried to force his way back into line, clipping Menard and sending him spinning. Menard recovered and got a good finish (14th), but that was a stupid mistake for a driver with Juablo's credentials.

Trackpass goes squirrelly: On lap 27 Trackpass was showing Kasey Kahne sideways, being pushed around the track. Then after about a lap or so of that, it showed him running 197mph BACKWARDS!!! Hmmph! Computers!

Speaking of “Squirrelly”: Ragan and Vickers both did some weird maneuvers on pit road, didn't they?

Breaking the rules means... a slap on the wrist. At least that's what Hamlin and Ragan got for not being single file (that's the rule) on pit road. Turns out they blocked Shrub from getting to his pits which caused him to go around again, loosing a lap. It was the 3rd time in the race Denny wasn't a good teammate to Shrub. I'm really impressed that Shrub didn't blow his top and light up the airways with blue language and proceed to wrinkle some sheet metal. Robby wasn't nearly as calm nor quiet when Sterling decided to bump draft him in the middle of turn 3 (that's against the rules too!) causing Robbie to exit turn 4 “in the high groove.” It took a couple laps for the language to get back to R-rated and Robbie's blood pressure to return to racing level... BTW: did you know Robbie spent all week in Europe in his off-road Hummer at the Dakar rally replacement? Yeah, he finished 10th. Had PJ Jones practice and qualify his cup car, and flew back from Hungary Saturday night. When asked if he was rested enough, he said he'd actually gotten too much sleep on the plane!!

Commercials:

• The “Fan Controlled 'Yotas” cracks me up every time I see it. That's gotta be one of the best commercials of the year.
• “Why do we do it” starring Kasey for Bud is easily one of the worst he's ever been in. He looks completely out of place in it and sounds like he's not having much fun. Maybe Bud needs to talk to the Desperate Housewives about moonlighting...
• “Bacon Club Chalupa” from Taco Bell .. made me hungry .. but I'm “dieting” so it's a no-no. (Yeah, I'm trying to drop down from Army Surplus Tent size to Family Camping Tent size.)

3 Drivers with late race “events” sort of symbolize the way the race went:

• Spinning - McDowell spins in the late laps causing an unwanted caution. There were several of those during the race .. all single car spins, usually at less than optimal times.
• Wrecking – McMurray wrecks in the last lap pile up. I predicted the Big One to happen between lap 150 & 165 .. it happened a little later: lap 173. Jamie had a great race going, was collected in that lap 187 mess coming out of turn 4, but was able to keep the car going and managed a 17th place finish on the lead lap.
• Winning – Kyle Busch fights back thru all the crap that happened during the race, and is a sitting duck on the last restart: in the lead with the bump and run master, Gordo, on his rear bumper. Somehow he holds Gordo off and, though the race finished under caution, he took the white flag before the yellow was waved, nixing the possibility of a Green-White-Checkered.

Congrats to Kyle on winning a tough fought race. It certainly was exciting as seen from my recliner!!!

[wingkey1]

Might find it was the the 88 rather than Front Row was the "squeezer" on the 20. Certainly true in one instance that replays on NASCAR site can be found. Maybe there was another that we missed.

Appears possible that the late race wreck of the 26 was "helped" by a punt by the 88. Whether we are true/accurate or not, the 88 sure needed the 26 event to get (on the last lap we think) from 20 something to the top 10.

Was indeed a fun race to watch. Find ourselves wondering whetehr the increased quality on this restrictor track was higher due to resurface smoothness.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Might find it was the the 88 rather than Front Row was the "squeezer" on the 20. Certainly true in one instance that replays on NASCAR site can be found. Maybe there was another that we missed.

Appears possible that the late race wreck of the 26 was "helped" by a punt by the 88. Whether we are true/accurate or not, the 88 sure needed the 26 event to get (on the last lap we think) from 20 something to the top 10.

Was indeed a fun race to watch. Find ourselves wondering whetehr the increased quality on this restrictor track was higher due to resurface smoothness.

I originally had the squeezer as 07 .. the car that moved down from the high groove then drove off w/o damage as 20 turned up towards the wall. dunno who was in the low groove or in front of 20 .. thought Jr was outside & behind the 78, moving alongside the 20 when this transpired. it was a white car with light blue markings that squeezed from the top. in a post race replay, my son spotted it as the 78 .. that's Joe. I have to go with his eyes 'cause they're 30+ years younger than mine would like to see the replay again where I can control the pause button .. just haven't had time to go looking for it.

never got a good look at the late wreck replays .. at least not good enough that these old eyes could see who did what. but did see 26 head off at an odd angle, indicating he was "helped"....

think a lot of the increased quality of racing was due to the resurfacing. one of the announcers stated last year the tires were wearing like crazy .. not so this year = lots of power, lots of traction &, excellent tire wear (for those who followed Goodyear's recommendations.)

[LSC9901]

One unknown that received very little coverage was Paul Menard. I was impressed with the way he ran a lot of the race. For a while it was him and Jr teaming up to go frontwards.

Sad that we even discuss the national anthem. It is something we should be able to listen to with emotion not fear for where the next note will go. I'm not an American Idol watcher but please tell me that guy didn't walk aways as a winner !!! He wasn't even good !

Once again it would have been interesting to see who would have ended up where if the big ones had not occurred. Good race over all.

[wingkey1]

Here's the "squeeze" replay. 88's the one.

NASCAR.COM : Video

And then there's the 26 thing, with the 88 on his bumper when whatever happened, happened.

NASCAR.COM : Video

[jks812]

I think the best comment of the day was in victory lane when Kyle thanked JG for helping him win.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Here's the "squeeze" replay. 88's the one.

NASCAR.COM : Video

And then there's the 26 thing, with the 88 on his bumper when whatever happened, happened.

NASCAR.COM : Video

Thanks wing. I finally went to YouTube and pulled up the vid. ran it back and forth until I figured out where folks were.

the 88 was behind the 6 and the 78 was behind the 88. as the 20 moved into the middle, the 48 followed another car (I didn't ever get the number) into the middle in front of the 20. entering the corner everyone up off the yellow line moved down, squeezing the middle lane. the 6 was beside the 48 and the 88 looked like he was determined to get under the 6, not paying any attention to who/what was inside him. after the 88 banged on the 20, it looks like the 20 backed out and the 88 continued down across the middle lane and thru the inside lane. as he was passing thru the middle lane the 88 was tagged by the 20, then it looks like he goes across the nose of the 43. the 78 was never involved, but since the 88 moved across 2 lanes in the matter of a second or so, it was easy to think the 78 was, in fact the car that banged into the 20. because the 20 had slowed, the 78 escaped being taken into the wall.

so, by what I saw in the YouTube replay, the cause of the "little Big One", as they are calling it, was the 88. the 48 blocked the 20's forward progress by moving into the center to go around the 07. and when the 88 shot down below the yellow line, all the peices had been set in motion for the wreck.

all this means it was DEJ who was responsible for 2 wrecks which took out half a dozen cars. My apologies to Joe for placing the blame on him for one of the wrecks.

[SteelPhoenyx]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

Who said restirctor plate racing was boring? Maybe it used to be, but not anymore!!! And at lap 104, or about 2/3 of the way thru the race, the average race speed was sitting at 181MPH!!!

I thought it was an exciting race. Much more enjoyable than last year's.

Wonderings

• Wonder what the qualifications are for the “All You Can Eat” job at the racetrack? I might be interested if the food is free and that hottie is there to feed me!!!
• Wonder what everyone thinks about Junior's beard? Sure doesn't make him look so “clean cut” anymore...
• Wonder about these movies advertised during pre-race and race:
  • Iron Man – will you go see or not?
  • Speed Racer – will you go see or not? (Milka Duno – female IRL driver - plays the Russian villain)

What I wonder is do they put extra structure under those seats in that section? What the hell is with glorifying gluttony like that, anyway? They opened a similar section at the Oakland A's Stadium. I find it kinda disgusting, really.

I will be going to see both Iron Man and Speed Racer. My husband is a big Marvel Comics fan, I grew up on Speed Racer, and I know the movie is going to be over the top campy, but I can't wait to see it!

National Anthem: barely passable ... why do these people feel like they need to “entertain” during the anthem? Has nobody ever explained to them what the purpose of the Anthem is? I have no problem with putting emotion into performing it, but it's still an Anthem, not an audition!

I find that the mute button is hit during the National Anthem about 90% of the time. Taylor Hicks' rendition was not the worst I've heard. Not the best, but definitely didn't rip through my skull like a chainsaw as so many other versions do. Best I've heard in the past couple years has to be Big & Rich's rendition at the 07 Daytona 500. And the instrumental versions... much better to listen to.

“Gentlemen Start Your Engines!”: didn't ya just love the way Ken Butler got the crowd involved in the race?

That was really cool!

'Yota Power: It was clear to any who wanted to see, that the 'Yotas had the field covered when it came to power as 6 of the 8 'Yotas in the race lead at least one lap, with Smoke leading the most. In fact it was downright awe-inspiring to see Hamlin get behind random cars and push them to the front, oftentimes from 15th or farther back. Methinks some of those he pushed had white knuckles on the way forward .. certainly many didn't “recover” when Denny stopped pushing. I do believe Denny was having so much fun doing that he forgot to get into position for the “under 10 shootout”, which lead to his having to settle for the last podium spot.

Toyota is definitely proving itself to be a dominant force on the track. Also interesting to see that of the 9 races so far, Chevy has only won twice. Ford & Toyota have scored 3 wins each. Seems the playing field has been a little more level between the manufacturers.

Trackpass goes squirrelly: On lap 27 Trackpass was showing Kasey Kahne sideways, being pushed around the track. Then after about a lap or so of that, it showed him running 197mph BACKWARDS!!! Hmmph! Computers!

My local Fox station went squirrely too. Cut to commercial with 3 laps to go! Somebody needs to be slapped.

Commercials:

• The “Fan Controlled 'Yotas” cracks me up every time I see it. That's gotta be one of the best commercials of the year.
• “Why do we do it” starring Kasey for Bud is easily one of the worst he's ever been in. He looks completely out of place in it and sounds like he's not having much fun. Maybe Bud needs to talk to the Desperate Housewives about moonlighting...
• “Bacon Club Chalupa” from Taco Bell .. made me hungry .. but I'm “dieting” so it's a no-no. (Yeah, I'm trying to drop down from Army Surplus Tent size to Family Camping Tent size.)

“Fan Controlled Yotas” is a winner for me too. Cracks me up every time I see it.

Have you noticed that ever since Kasey started doing those Allstate commercials with the ‘desperate houswives’ his racing has gone down the tubes? Just an interesting coincidence. The latest one where he's dancing... I could cry for him.

My favorite NASCAR/Budweiser commercial had to be last year's with Junior... the crazy mutant desert guys. I agree with what you said about how Kasey appears uncomfortable and not having much fun.

I'm disappointed in this year's Gillette Young Guns ad campaign too. Last couple years with the shaved heads... those were great.

Congrats to Kyle on winning a tough fought race. It certainly was exciting as seen from my recliner!!!

That was a great race. Wish it had a green flag finish, but it was still exciting enough. I'm also liking that so far the 'big ones' in the COT races aren't as drastic. I liked how the incident between Jamie McMurray and Kyle Busch didn't become a huge accident, and they managed to save their cars. That would have been the 'big one' right there in the old car. I'm liking the Winged Brick more & more.

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

all this means it was DEJ who was responsible for 2 wrecks which took out half a dozen cars. My apologies to Joe for placing the blame on him for one of the wrecks.

Just couple last comments in case one may feel we are on a “rag on the 88” thing. We ain’t. Do we think the 88 wrecked folks on purpose, or drove like a dope – nope, not even close.

Came to realize later in the day Sunday that we likely watched this weekend’s race with significantly more the “fan eye” than the “competitor eye”.

Initially we were “wow” surprised with the observation of the commentators, and later a number of fans, that the 88 had advanced from the 20+ positions to a top 10 finish in the last lap. Sure seemed “wow-like” at the time.

Got caught up in the “88 moves to the front” and lead some fairly notable number of laps.

The “here comes the Pied Piper” to the fore raves of the commentators.

We were pretty much sold on riding the wave.

***************************
Then, Sunday evening we had opportunity to run through the race with one who is notably inclined towards the 88 and the 18. He is most pleased when one of these two is having a good day. He also clearly understands a “good day” often has little to do with the finishing position. He has raced motorsports and participated in the stick and ball sports (Soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.) and has always had the uncanny ability to “see the whole field”. See and understand each peer competitor and/or teammate. Know each’s specific and general comfort and discomfort zones, physically and emotionally. Then truly be able to USE it all both in the moment, and for multiple possible scenarios that could develop. It was astounding and educational to listen to this person after he had completed a race as explanation was provided as to what was seen and understood laps ahead, at times even pre-race, and how it was used to place a competitor in his/her discomfort/weakness zone, put him/her “in the box”, etc. Still find it incredible when we revisit the memories. He to this day see’s all sporting events near exclusively via the competitors’ eye.

Anywho, near first comment from this individual was – Jr. was a friggin’ idiot today. Stopped me dead. Asked why this was felt, and that is when we got the “other eye” applied to the wrecks and where one of his favorites (88 in this case) played in, why JG was right to be frustrated with a team mate (OBTW – JG is one he’d rather see not finish all that well so this was truly telling with regards to the opinion being expressed), where opportunities were missed, how he and Eury continue to argue to their mutual disadvantage, etc., etc.

Perhaps the comment that left us with material to ponder and take in to consideration as we observe in the future was something to the effect:

“The 88 is presently a real decent - “in the moment” – racer, able to take advantage of “right now” opportunities, but he just does not seem to be thinking and seeing out ahead of things. Laps and laps ahead. It’s potentially why his laps lead are in the early going, and the “fade” occurs when laps lead really count. AND it may not be so much that the 88 fades in the later going, but more that those capable of “thinking and seeing out ahead of things” start putting him is his zones of weakness and/or discomfort”.

******************************

Sure got us seeing things from a different perspective. Just made us feel even stronger that our best humble position better continue to be – “But what do we know”.

[bob101]

It didn't get much coverage but the reason McDowell spun was he ran thru the oil laydown coming form Micheal Waltrips car. Micheal blew his engine and oil went everywhere. It didn't get much mention. But that's what happened to McDowell. Not sure if the big one on that lap was related to as well.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by bob101

It didn't get much coverage but the reason McDowell spun was he ran thru the oil laydown coming form Micheal Waltrips car. Micheal blew his engine and oil went everywhere. It didn't get much mention. But that's what happened to McDowell. Not sure if the big one on that lap was related to as well.

interesting .. I'm sure if there was oil on the track and the pack hit it at speed with min traction (that's where ya are at the end of the race while trying extra hard to improve your position) then that big one is explained...

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Just couple last comments in case one may feel we are on a “rag on the 88” thing. We ain’t. Do we think the 88 wrecked folks on purpose, or drove like a dope – nope, not even close.

Came to realize later in the day Sunday that we likely watched this weekend’s race with significantly more the “fan eye” than the “competitor eye”.

Initially we were “wow” surprised with the observation of the commentators, and later a number of fans, that the 88 had advanced from the 20+ positions to a top 10 finish in the last lap. Sure seemed “wow-like” at the time.

Got caught up in the “88 moves to the front” and lead some fairly notable number of laps.

The “here comes the Pied Piper” to the fore raves of the commentators.

We were pretty much sold on riding the wave.

***************************
Then, Sunday evening we had opportunity to run through the race with one who is notably inclined towards the 88 and the 18. He is most pleased when one of these two is having a good day. He also clearly understands a “good day” often has little to do with the finishing position. He has raced motorsports and participated in the stick and ball sports (Soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.) and has always had the uncanny ability to “see the whole field”. See and understand each peer competitor and/or teammate. Know each’s specific and general comfort and discomfort zones, physically and emotionally. Then truly be able to USE it all both in the moment, and for multiple possible scenarios that could develop. It was astounding and educational to listen to this person after he had completed a race as explanation was provided as to what was seen and understood laps ahead, at times even pre-race, and how it was used to place a competitor in his/her discomfort/weakness zone, put him/her “in the box”, etc. Still find it incredible when we revisit the memories. He to this day see’s all sporting events near exclusively via the competitors’ eye.

Anywho, near first comment from this individual was – Jr. was a friggin’ idiot today. Stopped me dead. Asked why this was felt, and that is when we got the “other eye” applied to the wrecks and where one of his favorites (88 in this case) played in, why JG was right to be frustrated with a team mate (OBTW – JG is one he’d rather see not finish all that well so this was truly telling with regards to the opinion being expressed), where opportunities were missed, how he and Eury continue to argue to their mutual disadvantage, etc., etc.

Perhaps the comment that left us with material to ponder and take in to consideration as we observe in the future was something to the effect:

“The 88 is presently a real decent - “in the moment” – racer, able to take advantage of “right now” opportunities, but he just does not seem to be thinking and seeing out ahead of things. Laps and laps ahead. It’s potentially why his laps lead are in the early going, and the “fade” occurs when laps lead really count. AND it may not be so much that the 88 fades in the later going, but more that those capable of “thinking and seeing out ahead of things” start putting him is his zones of weakness and/or discomfort”.

******************************

Sure got us seeing things from a different perspective. Just made us feel even stronger that our best humble position better continue to be – “But what do we know”.

that bit about the Jr's makes a lot of sense and explains why I've felt they were not performing to potential. I've been discounting TEJ too much, if in fact, he's the planner/strategist of the group but isn't getting proper respect/cooperation from DEJ. it seems like DEJ treats TEJ like hired help and doesn't want to listen to him at all (which is why he was more successful with TEJ's dad) .. until that situation is "fixed" the 88 is gonna flounder...

[DOF_power]

My personal observation is that the suposebly universal COT is really (by either accident or intention) a superspeedway/restrictor-plate car (and maybe it would also work well on a road course like Mexico City).
Just one race can make one hell of a difference from very boring to very exciting.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Here's the "squeeze" replay. 88's the one.

NASCAR.COM : Video

And then there's the 26 thing, with the 88 on his bumper when whatever happened, happened.

NASCAR.COM : Video

At first I thought that Tony tried to squeeze his way in between the two packs, and the die-hard #20 fan next to me thought the same, but looking at that it does appear as though Jr caused it. We were switching between the #11 & #88 radio's and all I know is that Jr was not happy at all with his spotter, I would repeat what he said but I would be banned 50 times over. I think Jr is running so hard to win that he is costing himself some wins, by doing things like this. Great race though.

[PenelopePitStop]

Interesting.

I actually thought the race was boring. Too much single-file racing for me. Especially for Dega.