NASCAR Thread.

[Northstar]

Speaking of Vickers, where's he going? (if at all)

I'm guessing he will try to re-up with Red Bull. Other than David Ragan I don't see any other drivers in a contract year going anywhere.

Side-Note: I'm getting the fantasy rules written up, and suggestions?

 

[CodeRedR51]

Vickers is back in the Red Bull Toyota #83 and Kasey is running the #4 Red Bull Toyota.

Yeah I just saw that on NASCAR.com.

Also saw that the #78 pit crew will be employed and trained by Stewart-Haas racing. 👍 Nice to know they'll have a crew that can keep them in the hunt for wins this season. They had an excellent second half last year, hopefully they can sneak in a win or two.

 

[Harley45]

Yeah I just saw that on NASCAR.com.

Also saw that the #78 pit crew will be employed and trained by Stewart-Haas racing. 👍 Nice to know they'll have a crew that can keep them in the hunt for wins this season. They had an excellent second half last year, hopefully they can sneak in a win or two.

Pit Crews , oh yeah is the Pit Crew Challenge fixed or something ?

I've been lucky enough to follow NASCAR for the last 4 Full Seasons due to a freind sending me the Races over (usually there around the 2-3 gig in size) and I notice on the Broadcasts they have this Pit Crew Challenge ?

Quite Often I see the JGR Cars , the 18 team a lot getting it done in under 13 seconds week in week out but they rarely appear in the Standings , its allways the 24 or the 88 ?

I know theres the Fan Vote that probalby helps out .

Oh and on the Subject of the 88 now he's had 3 full Seasons with Rick Hendrick if he doesn't perform this Season do you think Rick will finally kick the 88 out ?

Yes I know Jnr has Marketing appeal but he's not cutting it in Cup Cars is he .

 

[Furinkazen]

It's old news, but I hope Scott Riggs does better in the 90 next year. That run at Phoenix was brilliant...

 

[GTPorsche]

The AT&T fastest pit crew thingy? Yeah, that's fixed and it was always the same 4 crews.

 

[Cale]

I'm guessing he will try to re-up with Red Bull. Other than David Ragan I don't see any other drivers in a contract year going anywhere.

Side-Note: I'm getting the fantasy rules written up, and suggestions?

Maybe groupe A/B/C selections like on TV?

 

[Northstar]

Maybe groupe A/B/C selections like on TV?

I've thought about it, not sure how I would divide it though(mainly whether to use 2010 standings or 2011 standings).

 

[TommyWizard]

I have to say I am a believer in the "Win that got away" for Regan Smith. I am one of those that beleives that he won that Dega race.

Anyways, ironic that the guy he beat / didn't beat is now supplying the pit crew to him? lol.

While I dont think Smith will go out and naturally destroy JJ, I do think he'll have a stellar season, couple of satisfying results and maybe, just maybe a win. But, dont count your eggs applies.

 

[GTPorsche]

That #78 team has consistently been a top 10 to top 20 contender on a good weekend. I'd say that's pretty good for a team that doesn't have a huge corporate sponsor or a huge budget.

 

[CodeRedR51]

I support them 100% since they are based out of my home state.

And I like rooting for the little guy.

 

[mwoodski]

I have to say I am a believer in the "Win that got away" for Regan Smith. I am one of those that beleives that he won that Dega race.

He did win that race.

 

[RACECAR]

Not that it may matter all that much to many of you, but I thought I'd chime in something I found very interesting. We know that there have been foreign makes in NASCAR but little to most of everyone's knowledge, there has actually been 9 total and you will not believe the names of the other 6:

Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Austin-Healey
Porsche
Triumph
Volkswagen

I just found that to be really amazing. Those are some significant names.

 

[CodeRedR51]

There were rumors circulating last year that VW was looking to get in (again) but I haven't heard anything since.

 

[RACECAR]

There were rumors circulating last year that VW was looking to get in (again) but I haven't heard anything since.

It turned out that it was them talking to NASCAR about a possible entry in Grand-Am with the Audi Brand (which was more then likely, the Audi R8 LMS car).

 

[GTPorsche]

When was Porsche in NASCAR?

 

[RACECAR]

When was Porsche in NASCAR?

1953 and 1954, with the 356.

 

[TommyWizard]

You have to wonder why the sport has never really caught on over here seeing that there is 4 past manufactors that had entered into NASCAR (Jaguar entered too right?) from the UK

 

[01GTP]

It turned out that it was them talking to NASCAR about a possible entry in Grand-Am with the Audi Brand (which was more then likely, the Audi R8 LMS car).

It's too bad about that deal.

I heard/read that Audi North America did not want to fund the project.

I liked watching this go around Lime Rock last year and was hoping for more.

 

[LSX]

I have to say I am a believer in the "Win that got away" for Regan Smith. I am one of those that beleives that he won that Dega race.

Agreed. And it's the that call by NASCAR that caused the wreck the following April, when Carl Edwards ended up in the catch fence, and fans got injured. Just a bad call IMO. Actually, the drivers caused it, but NASCAR put them in a box...

Smith is a great driver, he was wheelin' that car in during the All-Star. I think he hit the wall 3 times and was still moving through the field.


I think this is pretty funny. Over on Jayski's, there is an article about Tony Stewart's trip that has just ended in Australia, where he's been racing during the off-season.

Jayski's:

Stewart questioned by Australian police UPDATE: #14-Tony Stewart has allegedly been involved in a off-track incident at Sydney Speedway which has seen him interviewed by Parramatta police this morning. Stewart was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with speedway co-owner and former driver Brett Morris after early-evening time trials. It is believed that Stewart, who is racing for a team owned by Morris' business partner and Australian speedway legend Garry Rush, had issues about track conditions after a Hot Lap session and made them known to Morris. A helmet and punches were rumored to be thrown and exchanged during the alleged altercation. Stewart has been competing for the second consecutive year in Australia during his NASCAR "off season". Staff at Parramatta Police Station confirmed to Speedcafe.com.au this morning at 12.49am (AEDST) that Stewart was being held for questioning, but indicated that nothing could be confirmed about the incident until later today  including whether Stewart had been officially charged or whether similar charges were being pursued by Stewart against Morris. The final outcome of this situation could result in a raft of ramifications including Stewart's scheduled departure from the country later today, legal requirements back in Australia if it is found he has questions to answer and the overall effect this will have on Australia-US speedway relationships.(SpeedCafe)(1-15-2011)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart has walked free after being arrested by local police at the Sydney Raceway last night, but his troubles might not be over just yet. It is understood that Stewart was free to fly back to the US today with fellow US star Donny Schatz, but that further investigations of an alleged assault between Stewart and Sydney Raceway co-owner Brett Morris are on-going. It is believed that Morris, while talked to at the scene of the alleged incident last night, is yet to be formally interviewed. If Morris is interviewed and it is found that Stewart has a case to answer, there is a chance that Stewart may be required to return to Australia for court proceedings. The NSW Police media unit issued the following statement yesterday, which was authorised by area commander, acting Superintendant, Garry Sims.
"Police from Rosehill local area command were alerted to an altercation involving two men at a car racing track at Wentworth St Granville (Sydney Raceway) about 7.30pm last night. A 39 year-old man was arrested at the scene and was taken to Parramatta Police Station after a 46 year-old man was allegedly struck in the face by a racing helmet. The 39 year-old man was released by police without charge, pending further investigation." Sydney Speedway General Manager, David Lander had little to say about the incident, shrugging off the incident as basically a "tiff" between two drivers. "It is a matter for those two guys (Stewart and Morris)," said Lander. "It was a Ruckus in the pits between two drivers. It happens. There is no more that I can say or I am prepared to say."(SpeedCafe)(1-16-2011)

Hit him with a helmet? Who said Tony Stewart grew up? I wonder how that would all work out if he had to go back to AUS during the Sprint Cup season to deal with charges, provided anything else even happens.

 

[vfrmaverick]

If only he would stop acting like such a wuss up here lately.

 

[JohnBM01]

I heard today on The SPEED Report that there will be this new deal where you must select what championship you want to compete in and earn points towards. So no more trying to compete in Cup and Nationwide to try to sweep both championships in the same year. I wonder who will be the takers for each of the three major series...

 

[LSX]

So, today I was going through boxes of old stuff, and I came across something really cool that I had figured was lost forever.

For a bit of back story for those who were not following NASCAR at the time, Dale Earnhardt died on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. He was blocking for his two cars he owned driven by Michael Waltrip and Dale Jr. running first and second ahead of him. That was tragic.

However, when Nascar came back to Daytona Beach in July of 2001, running one two again, but reverse from the finishing order of the Daytona 500, were Dale Jr. and Michael Waltrip again. I remember, I was there. There was SO MUCH emotion that night when Jr. came back to win at the same track that took his father just months ago. The noise of the crowd really did overpower the cars. A fan of Earnhardt or not, you could not help but to feel good about that win. That was terrific.

My seats were row one, seats 1-4 directly inline with the pit out cone, which was nice, because Jr. had the first pit stall, the crew was on fire all night, and I'm not sure he ever lost a position in the pits due to the fast work. It was really something to see the celebration in the grass after the race, everyone was going crazy, I'll never forget it.

A crew member came across the track from Jr's pit stall. He had a few T-shirts, and a box of something. Since we sat directly inline with the pit box, he walked up to where were were sitting. Everyone stormed the fence, reaching through, and I noticed he was giving the things in the box to people. So I stuck my arm in the fence, as far as I could until it would go no further. He passed me by. So I tried again, maybe 8 feet further down. I felt him put something in my hand, it was a lug nut from the car. I put a death grip on it, and was scared I'd drop it trying to get it back through the fence. I could not believe it. I had a piece of one of the greatest wins I'd ever witnessed in my hand.

Long story short, I lost it moving things around over the years. Until today...

I was almost just as happy to find it as I was to get it.

Just wanted to share that memory. Thanks.

Here is a video of the last 6 laps. It gives me chills just watching it.
If you've never seen it, or don't remember, it's worth watching.



You rarely see stuff like this ^

 

[Northstar]

Very cool story.👍

Side-Note: I have the first part of my GT5 photomode tribute to Earnhardt up in my gallery, check the link my sig to see it.

 

[JohnBM01]

Tomorrow, we'll start to get a first look at the teams prepping for the 2011 season. I think I'm hearing that there will be smaller restrictor plates for Daytona this season.

Elsewhere, have you heard that NASCAR may think about changing up its points system? Here's some insight on it from ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=6031384 (includes video)

Any thoughts on this possible new system?

 

[RACECAR]

Tomorrow, we'll start to get a first look at the teams prepping for the 2011 season. I think I'm hearing that there will be smaller restrictor plates for Daytona this season.

Elsewhere, have you heard that NASCAR may think about changing up its points system? Here's some insight on it from ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=6031384 (includes video)

Any thoughts on this possible new system?

This is mentioned on Speedtv.com as well. Looks like its better at first glance, but I'm not sure if it is in practice.

 

[Northstar]

It won't make a difference as long as the chase is still in existence.

Also, Stephen Wallace will be making his Sprint Cup debut in the #77 5 Hour Energy Toyota, racing for his dad as he is the only who would actually hire him.

 

[Furinkazen]

Story here from NASCAR.com:

Steve Wallace to make Cup debut in Daytona 500
Deal with Penske locks Nationwide driver in field with points from No. 77
By Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
January 19, 2011 12:20 PM, EST

type size: + - Third-generation racer Steve Wallace will make his Sprint Cup Series debut -- and some Daytona International Speedway history -- as a guaranteed starter in the 2011 Daytona 500, driving a No. 77 Toyota fielded by Rusty Wallace Racing.


The program was facilitated by fellow team owner Roger Penske, who formed a partnership with Steve's father Rusty Wallace -- who drove in Cup for Penske from 1991 until he retired as a driver after the 2005 season -- in order to use the guaranteed spot in the top 35 of the owners' standings earned by Penske driver Sam Hornish Jr. in 2010.


“
There are a lot of people that just hate me and they hate Steve and they're jealous of what we've been able to put together -- and I don't blame 'em -- I understand.
”
-- RUSTY WALLACEPenske isn't fielding a Cup car for Hornish to start the season due to lack of sponsorship.


"We appreciate we were able to make some calls and pull it together so quickly," Rusty Wallace said. "A lot of things had to come together just right. I'm beyond excited about it."


When he starts the 53rd Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, Steve Wallace will become the fourth member of his family to race in the Great American Race, along with his father and uncles Mike and Kenny Wallace. Previously, the Wallaces were tied with the Allison, Bodine, Earnhardt and Petty families with three members each.


"There are a lot of people that just hate me and they hate Steve and they're jealous of what we've been able to put together -- and I don't blame 'em -- I understand," Rusty said. "But I've done this my whole life, and I've been out of Cup a long time. And I'm dying to get back into Cup, and I'm probably just as excited as Steve is, to get into the damned thing."


"Starting my first Daytona 500 is definitely going to be the most exciting day of my career -- make that my life -- so far," Steve said. "It's something that every kid wanting to be a racer, including me, dreams of doing one day. It's some of the best drivers in the world competing in the biggest race in the world."


Steve Wallace has four lead-lap, top-15 finishes in his past five Daytona Nationwide starts.


RWR purchased a pair of Sprint Cup Chevrolets -- one from Richard Childress Racing and one that was used last season by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing -- and has converted them to Toyotas.


Former Cup Series crew chief Larry Carter, who joined RWR last fall as general manager, will be the crew chief for the program.


Steve Wallace plans to test the RCR version on Thursday at Daytona International Speedway as part of the first open test on the newly-paved track surface that was completed in early December 2010. Both cars will be taken to the wind tunnel following the conclusion of testing.


Penske, who also fielded cars for Rusty Wallace in two races in 1980, including a second-place run in his debut at Atlanta, initially talked about fielding one of his No. 77 cars for Steve Wallace, but the final decision was to race out of the RWR shops.


"Roger said he would really love to see Stephen at Daytona, so we put a deal together," Wallace said. "We're going to run the Daytona 500. Right now we don't have any plans to run anything [after] the Daytona 500, but I will have the cars. We may go to both Talladegas and we won't be guaranteed in, so we'll see what happens."


In addition to the race being Steve's Cup debut, it will also be his father's debut as a Cup owner -- a goal he has sought for several years after fielding cars for 467 starts in the junior series.


"This is a big event for all of us -- for Steve, our team, our family and our sponsors," the elder Wallace said. "When you're a young driver coming up, you dream about racing in the Daytona 500 and now Steve's going to get the opportunity to do it. He's grown by leaps and bounds as a driver in the Nationwide Series over the last few years and we think he's ready for this opportunity."


~Shame about Hornish though...~

 

[Fuzzy]

Watching abit of testing right now at Daytona, good to see Brian Vickers back on track.

 

[RACECAR]

Rusty: "There are a lot of people that just hate me and they hate Steve and they're jealous of what we've been able to put together"

Ah Rusty, still blind as ever.

 

[LSX]

Why would people hate Rusty? Steve, understandable, he's a bit crazy, not Rusty though.