|| *Comments on the 2011 Aaron's 499:* View the most recent comment <#159> | Post a comment <#post> 1. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! AAAAHHHHHH! So pissed. 2. JakeTV370 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:35 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) BEST. TALLADEGA. FINISH. EVER. 3. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Thought Jeff Gordon was gonna win this race. Oh well. Kurt Busch caused 2 accidents in this race, he turned Landon Cassill into Brian Vickers, and later turned his own teammate Keselowski into Marcos Ambrose and caused a big crash. He also turned Dave Blaney, who was fighting to possibly score an upset win. Blaney saved his car, but was left to finish a dismal 27th. David Ragan's engine actually failed and he caught fire just as Keselowski crashed in front of him, and he got caught up in the crash. 4. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And Joey Logano also caused an accident when he turned his teammate, Kyle Busch, around off the third turn, wiping out Busch and Kenseth. 5. hyperacti posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This race was pretty incredible. Ryan Newman had a couple of epic saves Dave Blaney had a nice save Jeff Gordon might have won had Mark Martin stayed connected. We'll never know. 6. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ties the Ricky Craven/Kurt Busch finish at Darlington in 2003 for the closest finish in the modern era. Kurt Busch caused three seperate incidents, but it really wasn't over agressive or stupid driving. It's too bad for Dave Blaney, who led the 2nd most laps in this race and was leading with 5 to go. 7. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Denny Hamlin is in serious trouble. He had another sub-par finish and 8 races in STILL has only one top 10 finish. 8. CFob posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So, how's Bronco going to make Brad's crash out to be his fault? Another top 10 for David Gilliland and a top 15 for Regan Smith. 9. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, isn't lame how we have this exciting racing that leaves the winner so unpredictable, but in the end we end up with the guys who dominate both series stealing the win late? I was so hoping to see a shocker like Dave Blaney win this thing. But you got to give Jimmie Johnson his props, he's the real CLOSER in this business. It digusts me the idiots at FOX gave Kevin Harvick this nickname because he ended up winning a couple races late. Harvick led the points almost all year last year before the chase started but hardly factored in the title race at Homestead while Jimmie Johnson yet again closed his record setting fifth straight title. Maybe if Kevin "closed" a title he would deserve that nickname. 10. JimmieJohnsonsNeatlyTrimmedBeard posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) How about that neatly and meticulously trimmed beard in victory lane today? And of course the guy it was attached to, who done stole the win right at the end. I know restrictor plate wins are pretty meaningless anymore, but I was glad to see Jimmie snap his 15 race losing streak, which was tied for the 2nd longest of his career. 54th win, now tied for 9th all time with Lee Petty. Booyah! Next up, Rusty Wallace at 55, then a long ways up to Dale Earnhardt. 11. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) am i the only one that didn't feel anything from the finish? i dont know how to explain my emotions towards this race. it was like if this finish happened years ago, i would have gone insane but now it's just like whatever. so bland 12. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, Kevin Conartist parked it 2 laps in. Whew. 13. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The finish was freaking EPIC! So much for all my jokes about JJ and plate tracks. And the race itself was a lot better than I anticipated. I was afraid it would be like Daytona with tons of cautions, but there were only three in the first 140 laps, 2 courtesy of Kurt Busch (who would later ruin Blaney's storybook run), and one honest to goodness debris caution. Of course there were a lot at the end, but that's just plate racing. It has always been that way. Just an outstanding race. Lol at Mikey. That just shows you how little the other drivers respect him. He was an outstanding pusher, but after the first restart, they all just left him. So much for his "drafting prowess". And that Auburn paint scheme and the Auburn coach as the grand marshall? I knew he was gonna get booed really bad, and he did. But of course the TV guys are like "This place is packed with Auburn fans". No, they were packed with Crimson Tide fans, and a few Auburn fans. Quit insulting our intelligence. Besides, I guess they figured they needed to hurry up and celebrate AU's national championship before the NCAA takes it away. 14. 18fan posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Was rooting for Bowyer at the end because he didn't hang out in the back all day, but he and Harvick went too early and allowed Jimmie and Junior to have a big enough run to win. The big problem with the two car draft was shown when all those cars were getting turned going into the corner or coming off the corner. It is just too easy to push these cars around when in the two car packs. Nice top 10 finish for David Gilliland. Another run as a non factor for Tony Stewart. JJ Yeley took over in the early part of the race for Bill Elliott in the 46 car. 15. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cooper's interesting fact of the race: --Slowest Pole Speed for any series at Talladega at a blistering 178.248MPH You don't have to look this up because I already did. 16. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 2nd career top 10 for Front Row Motorsports. 17. Red posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Damn, I really wanted to see Blaney win this thing. That might have been his last chance to win a Cup race. Still, awesome run for TBR. The first 2/3 of this race was so boring I could hardly stay awake, but the last 20 laps made it worth the wait. I'm still not a big fan of the two car drafts, but at least it made for one helluva finish. No matter who he's driving for, David Gilliland always seems to post strong results in plate races. Unfortunately, his Front Row entry is horribly off the pace in the other 32 races. Kurt Busch caused three wrecks in this race, so I'm glad he faded at the end. Joey Logano finally avoids bad luck and finishes in the top 10. It's hard to ever say JJ winning a race is a surprise, but he's been so bad in plate races that this outcome really is pretty unexpected. 18. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Good runs for Gilliland, Smith and Lally. Dave Blaney was in contention for the win until his spin, what a save though. Terry Labonte was running pretty well until his engine blew. 19. 18fan posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It is amazing how in these plate races always the guys who don't run up front as much lead a bunch of laps but its always the main contenders for wins week in and week out that battle for the win. I agree about close Talladega finishes being not as amazing anymore. They still are pretty cool on intermediates since they are rare but not at Daytona and Talladega because they are just expected. 20. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So, why did Yeley take over for Bill Elliott? 21. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @17 that's right, it's the new way to watch nascar races these days. Skip the first 3/4th and tune into the last few laps 22. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "How about that neatly and meticulously trimmed beard in victory lane today? And of course the guy it was attached to, who done stole the win right at the end." Ha! He is truly "The Closer". He has closed far more than anyone over the last decade. How can somebody with 16 wins in more than 10 seasons get that name? How about "The Guy Who Doesn't Win Very Often, But When He Does, He Has To Pull It Out Of His Ass". Oh wait: " But you got to give Jimmie Johnson his props, he's the real CLOSER in this business. It digusts me the idiots at FOX gave Kevin Harvick this nickname because he ended up winning a couple races late. Harvick led the points almost all year last year before the chase started but hardly factored in the title race at Homestead while Jimmie Johnson yet again closed his record setting fifth straight title. Maybe if Kevin "closed" a title he would deserve that nickname." Damnit Rusty, you beat me to it. But you are absolutely right. The deal is the FOX folks, especially DW, like Kevin so much because he causes controversy and gives them something to talk about. And for the love of God, why is the Budweiser car black? You can't pick out that it is the Budweiser car. Even in person at Martinsville, I never could pick it out as the Bud car. Budweiser = red. End of story. 23. Mr. Big posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wow. Unbelievable finish and an excellent race. It's too bad that there's only one Talladega and about 15 Chicagolands/Kansases. 24. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 5:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "20. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.11 - 5:54 pm So, why did Yeley take over for Bill Elliott? " Not sure, I'm guessing since more cars than normal showed up for this one they wanted his championship provisional (which they ended up needing). Not sure why they would swap drivers though, even at his age Bill Elliott is a better driver than JJ Yeley. 25. Red posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "that's right, it's the new way to watch nascar races these days. Skip the first 3/4th and tune into the last few laps" Unlike a lot of fans, I don't think the races need to be shortened, but I do think they need to give more incentive to run hard early. Giving bonus points based on % of laps led would be my first choice. 26. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I enjoyed the race thoroughly even without a favourite driver to cheer for at the end. A lot of guys hanged in the back today, and I still think that is the correct strategy when it comes down to these races. The thing I'll remember about this finish is focusing on Gordon/Bowyer/Johnson only to see Edwards blow by them after the checkered flag. I was thinking what the heck, where the hell did he come from? Overall, I enjoy this more than pack racing, but I find this more nerveracking than the old style. I hate that Brad Keselowski's teammate is Kurt Busch because I don't trust him, I don't like him, and from what I've heard he doesn't help his team a lot either. Oh well. 27. potatosalad48 posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Excellent finish to an excellent race. Very competitive, any one of the 27 cars on the lead lap could have won. But 3 wide, almost 4 wide at the finish, with the margin of victory tying the closest in NASCAR history, that was awesome. Plus, my favorite driver won. Loved it. 28. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And for the love of God, why is the Budweiser car black? You can't pick out that it is the Budweiser car. Even in person at Martinsville, I never could pick it out as the Bud car. Budweiser = red. End of story." They originally made the car red as you can see here. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R7Rg69i5ze4/TGrT4Npy4KI/AAAAAAAAByY/zNtsmC8HlUs/s1600/29+bud.jpg They decided to change it to black because Bud has always had the same generic red scheme every year. 29. Larry posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Another good run going by Bobby Labonte before he was left out to dry on the last restart. Passed Ryan Newman on the last lap, settling for 24th. 30. Red posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And for the love of God, why is the Budweiser car black? You can't pick out that it is the Budweiser car. Even in person at Martinsville, I never could pick it out as the Bud car. Budweiser = red. End of story." Thank you! I've been thinking that all season. If there's any sponsor associated with a certain color, it's Budweiser and red. Similarly, I don't like the #99 being black either; Aflac doesn't have any black in their logo, so it just seems out of place. 31. 18fan posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) About the "Closer" nickname, a few years ago, Darrell Waltrip called Jimmie Johnson the best closer in the sport. Then Kevin Harvick, who is the FOX crew's favorite driver, even more than Kyle Busch or Dale Jr., wins a few races with late race passes and he's the closer all of a sudden. Jimmie has won so many races after making a bunch of late passes and has done it more often and for longer than Harvick has so I still think Jimmie is the "Closer". I think it is a combination of the controversy he causes and him taking over Dale Earnhardt's car that makes him so loved by them. Compare the way they slobber over Harvick to the way TNT or ESPN talk about Kevin. 32. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Overall, I enjoy this more than pack racing, but I find this more nerveracking than the old style. I hate that Brad Keselowski's teammate is Kurt Busch because I don't trust him, I don't like him, and from what I've heard he doesn't help his team a lot either. Oh well." Where have you heard this? I've talked to people at Penske, been to their shop, and am probably going back there next month and heard that they both get along well and share info just fine. Thier plan all weekend was to hook up together since they didn't in Daytona. It's unfortunate it ended for Brad the way it did, but it's not like Kurt flat out wrecked him. Brad even said himself that cars in front were checking up, he got checked up and it resulted in what you saw. Kurt will get a lot of hell because he ended up being involved in multiple incidents, but this crash was caused a little further up the pack. There's no way Kurt wanted Brad out of the race, it ruined his gameplan for the day. 33. DaleJrFan19 posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) A fairly boring race saved by an epic finish. I guess the great 500 race was just a fluke, lose the damn two car tango crap! I don't honestly care when JJ wins races, just when he wins championships, so good for him I guess. Kind of upset Blaney couldn't pull off the upset. Oh yeah, and Denny Hamlin is an idiot. First you wreck Newman in turn three, than a few laps later, you wreck him ON THE STRAIGHT! What an idiot. Oh, and lookie at third place in the points :D 34. No One? posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Is no one going to mention that Johnson dropped his left side tires onto the dreaded Yellow Line? I knew that FOX's talking heads wouldn't mention it, but I figured that someone on here would at least bring it up for discussion. 35. NZNascarfan posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) possibly the greatest race ever 36. GO JR posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jeez. How dare Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Clint Bowyer all try to win this race. Do they not know Jr. hasn't won in his last 101 races? They should've let him win so all of his super cool fans can finally have something to be happy about. Well, off to bed with my cousin. Better luck next week Jr. 37. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 6:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) No One? you are allowed to have your wheels on the line. The only time it becomes controversial is when the left side tires are over the yellow line. Definately 100% legit. Rusty; Two weeks ago, he called his car sh!t and that his team needs to work harder and get better cars. Trust me you're not going to get better cars by bitching and complaining. In addition to this I remember Roush Racing had problems with him which resulted in him heading to Penske. You obviously have a better knowing than I do considering you've been to the shop, but from what I've seen it is a much different story. 38. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) " I don't think the races need to be shortened, but I do think they need to give more incentive to run hard early. Giving bonus points based on % of laps led would be my first choice." I agree 100%. "They decided to change it to black because Bud has always had the same generic red scheme every year." Thanks for the info. I just think that generic red scheme was so easy to spot. A red car with giant "BUD" letters on the hood. Even from aerial shots you always knew which car was the Bud car. "Jimmie has won so many races after making a bunch of late passes and has done it more often and for longer than Harvick has so I still think Jimmie is the "Closer". I think it is a combination of the controversy he causes and him taking over Dale Earnhardt's car that makes him so loved by them. Compare the way they slobber over Harvick to the way TNT or ESPN talk about Kevin." Exactly. The deal is DW loves him. He sees a lot of himself when he first burst on to the scene in Harvick: The shit stirring, the mouth running, the public admonishment of his team, the bad hairdos, everything except the way Darrell actually won a lot. Plus, JJ fatigue is catching up to these guys. He used to be the annoying media darling, now they sort of ignore him. I guess they've run out of superlatives for him, so they try to pass them on to others ("The Closer" for Harvick, "Greatness" and "History" for Kyle Busch). 39. DerekJeterPumpkinEater posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:01 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) An interesting stat: Brad Keselowski's best finish this year is 15th. Of the drivers who have been in every race so far this year, only Robby Gordon and Dave Blaney don't have a higher finish. Gordon's high is 16th, Blaney's is 25th. 40. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Even though he has won the last 5 championships and I shouldn't be surprised, I was surprised that JJ won on a plate track. I just figured those first two plate races in '06 were anomolies. It seemed to be the one hole in his armor: his ability to draft (he had been solid on the road courses for a while and finally broke through for a win at Sears Point last year). Honestly, had you told me JJ would have one win in the first 8 races, here is how I would have ranked the probability of where that win would have come by tracks in the first 8 races: 1) Martinsville 2) Phoenix 3) California 4) Las Vegas 5) Bristol 6) Texas 7) Daytona 8) North Wilkesboro 9) Ontario Speedway 10) Talladega 41. Austin posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) One of the best finishes ever. 42. Rusty posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Rusty; Two weeks ago, he called his car sh!t and that his team needs to work harder and get better cars. Trust me you're not going to get better cars by bitching and complaining. In addition to this I remember Roush Racing had problems with him which resulted in him heading to Penske. You obviously have a better knowing than I do considering you've been to the shop, but from what I've seen it is a much different story." Kurt has always been that way, if he's not running well he gets frustrated and can take it out on the radio. Is it right? I don't know, that's really up to your own judgement. But he seems to get along with people in the orginization for the most part, and he and Brad don't have any problems. Brad is the kind of guy that would've called Kurt out if he had a problem with him today. He's not the kind of person who will play nice. I just think it was a racing incident that unfortunatly ruined a potentially good day for Brad. It also hurt Kurt and the #22 team because their plan was to work with Brad all day. They were probably better off going in different directions though, since neither of them seemed like they had good pushing cars. Kurt's best runs of the day were with Kyle Busch and Joey Logano pushing him, and Brad had some good runs early with Regan Smith pushing. 43. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) When you got Hendrick power DSSF, a win at Talladega is expected. The thing is, Jimmie isn't a bad restrictor plate driver he just doesn't care. It's never been a prioriety for him or the team because winning restrictor plate races doesn't win you championships. The #48 teams bread and butter will always and continue to be the cookie cutters. Come November there is a high chance Jimmie raises the trophy once again because of his 3.0 average finish at the 1.5 miles. But yes, it was nice to see him prove that he is one of the best at ALL types of racetracks. Definately the best driver that I've seen in my lifetime and will probably ever see. Oh yeah plus he's got Chad Knaus, he's pretty good too. 44. Brad posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) For all the Harvick haters: Harvick is the closer because he comes from out of nowhere to win hese races! He doesnt ride around in 1st and 2nd the whole race and then just win at the end. He doesnt lead the race and all of a sudden comes ou of nowhere to win. That is what a closer is! You people are a bunch of idiots! P.S. DaleSrFanForever: I see you went to Martinsville so you must be pretty jealous that the closer stole Dale Jr's sure win... And I'm pretty close to Martinsville. I'd like to personally whip your ass!!!!!!!!!!! Any day! 45. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Joe Nemechek parked the day after he almost won the Nationwide race. I actually thought he was gonna attempt to run the whole race. I actually thought Conway would too since he was driving the Bonermobile. Guess I was wrong. 46. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Excellent comments above me, "GO JR", "Kyle Busch", and "Jimmie Johnson". I am astounded by your maturity. Far more mature than everybody else posting on here, for sure! 47. Patrick posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) a very wild race and JJ Yeley took over the #46 car after Bill Elliott drove it for the early part of the race. 48. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^ Keep it coming trolls, you're making me laugh. 49. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Why was Ryan Newman not penalized for stopping intentionally on the back stretch? My original explanation was that it was the #42 that brought out the caution but according to the yellow report it was because of Ryan. I didn't realize you could stop on the apron, let the caution come out and then accelerate away. This usually results in a 1 lap penalty. The caution didn't come out because of the spin it was because he stopped and didn't continue on. 50. 00andJoe posted: 04.17.2011 - 7:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) To The Back: In addition to those listed on the report, the #87 and #97 dropped to the rear of the field before the start. 51. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'm impressed Kasey Kahne got back in the race. That car was literally barbequed after he got caught up in the multi car accident with Keselowski, Ragan, Bayne, and Ambrose. 52. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 35. NZNascarfan posted: 04.17.11 - 6:46 pm possibly the greatest race ever i want what you're on 53. 00andJoe posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The queue for Punching Kurt Busch In The Nose starts here. Form one line, no pushing. Please take a number, they start at '4'... ...seriously though, the moment I saw who was pushing Blaney torwards the finish, I -knew- there was only one way that was going to end. And, guess what, I was right. Not only screwed Blaney out of an almost-certain top-10 finish and possible win, but it also screwed TBR out of moving into the top 35 in owner points, instead causing the team to fall further behind. DSFF - I woudn't be surprised if another reason the Bud car is black now is simply because it's RCR, and they wanted to get the classic-black #3/#29 look. Interestingly, I think the silver-and-black #39 looks rather like some of the old GM Goodwrench cars. Is it me or do the two-car 'pods' (I think I like this term for describing it) seem to have the side-effect of producing a smaller chance of a Big One? The only wreck contending for the title (Little One?) only ate five cars, and would have only been three (or two?) if David Ragan's engine hadn't picked the single most coincidental moment it possibly could have to grenade. (Say what you want about FOX, but kudos on them for noticing that and following up on it - ESPN would never have even noticed...) #49 - I'd assume it was because it was close enough that a reasonable case could be made he was stalled and 'just happened' to get it re-fired and pull away at the same moment the caution came out. 54. joey2448 posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Carl Edwards finished .074 seconds back....in sixth place! And Mark was .145 back, in eighth! So close, and so great! If there's one good thing about the two-car drafts, it's these incredible finishes. I'd rather see the final 11 laps of a Dega race go green, then a GWC finish. It allows the drivers enough time to sort it all out and be able to make a run at the finish. 55. joey2448 posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, thumbs up to NASCAR for not throwing a caution when a there was a single car spin. Newman got sideways and Montoya pushed him back in the right direction, and then with four to go, Blaney had a spin in turn 3, and they kept racing....good call. 56. DerekJeterPumpkinEater posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "He doesnt lead the race and all of a sudden comes ou of nowhere to win. That is what a closer is! You people are a bunch of idiots!" If I wasn't 99.9% sure you were being sarcastic... 57. GDR posted: 04.17.2011 - 8:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I hate all of FOX's cutesy nicknames for everybody, but Mr. Where Did He Come From is a lot better for Kevin than the closer because it describes him better. He's not necessarily what I would define as a closer but he does show up late in races and has won quite a few in that fashion. I thought he had another good run today and I don't really understand why he's taking so much flack here - it's not like he told FOX to be dumb. Really, I just wish they'd call everybody their name and just let whoever wins win and that's that. 58. Daniel posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ugh. I was really pulling for Blaney there at the end. 59. JP88 posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wow what a finish...I knew Johnson was gonna win when the top 4 got side by side...Very cool gesture from JJ to give Jr. the checkered flag...I hop Jr. gets his win soon. Bayne continues having bad breaks and I really feel for David Ragan, I think he was gonna at least end up with a top-10. Brad K as well just doesn't have any luck. Speaking of that Kurt Busch spun 3 drivers in the 2 car draft...wtf??? Also tough break for Blaney...what a run he led 21 laps...I always felt he was the best driver who never won a cup race, I hope Golden Corral continues to sponsor TBR after that performance. 60. Schroeder51 posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I don't think Blaney would've won, but he would have at least gotten a top 10 for sure. 61. Old Bud posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I like the, "New Racing", at the plate tracks! I don't find it boring at all, lots of lead changes and stratagy seems to get played out. Sure there's a few incidents, there always will be, but it's new and the drivers will adapt, they always do. Also I don't know why there is talk that people want shorter races. If your a, "FAN", of racing, why would you want less of something you enjoy? Seems kind of retarded to me. Maybe these people should seek treatment for their ADD. 62. Anonymous posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "P.S. DaleSrFanForever: I see you went to Martinsville so you must be pretty jealous that the closer stole Dale Jr's sure win... And I'm pretty close to Martinsville. I'd like to personally whip your ass!!!!!!!!!!! Any day!" Uh, doesn't DaleSrFanForever call Jr "Dale Mears" fairly often? Or do I have him confused with someone else? I don't think he's jealous that Harvick passed Jr for the win at Martinsville. 63. Cooper posted: 04.17.2011 - 9:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'd rather have longer races. More stuff can happen which causes a higher variance, which will result in a larger standard deviation to each drivers average finish. With the 400 mile races, it doesn't give some teams nearly enough time to adjust their setups. In addition it's 100 less miles to recover from a mistake early in the race. Keep it the way it is. 64. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.17.2011 - 10:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "P.S. DaleSrFanForever: I see you went to Martinsville so you must be pretty jealous that the closer stole Dale Jr's sure win... And I'm pretty close to Martinsville. I'd like to personally whip your ass!!!!!!!!!!! Any day!" I don't like June (yeah, I used to call him Dale Mears, but I realized that was an unfair comparison. Unfair to Casey eho tries hard but just isn't very good. June is super talented, but has been uninterested until this year). I didn't care that Harvick passed him. I don't really care for either. As far as "whipping my ass" are you 12 years old? That is just childish. Let me guess, after beating me up, you'll take my lunch money. 65. AlmirolaFan88 posted: 04.17.2011 - 10:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The real reason why Bill Elliott left the #46 was because he flew to South Boston to watch his son Chase race in the previously rain postponed K&N Pro Series East Race. Not sure if he made it on time though. Highly doubt it. 66. Eric posted: 04.17.2011 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dale Earnhardt Jr 3 top 10's in a row for the first time since 2008. In 2008 Dale Jr got 4 top 10's in a row from Las Vegas to getting a 6th place finish at Martinsville. Dave Blaney gets his highest amount of laps led in a race since he led 30 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. 67. Mamorese posted: 04.17.2011 - 11:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Why wasn't the 39 penalized for intentionally stopping on the track to bring out the caution after his spin? 68. Bronco posted: 04.17.2011 - 11:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "So, how's Bronco going to make Brad's crash out to be his fault?" Wow really? Those were your first thoughts after watching a race like this? I don't know what's left to say about Brad that hasn't been said already. I think post #39 sums up his season, and his career pretty well. He's embarassing the history of the Blue Deuce each and every week, and will probably be out of that ride after this year or next. Enough said. On a weekend where the underdogs were supposed to have a shot at victory, one flipped over and the over got turned after being 5 laps away from a win, and the most dominant drivers in each series by far ended up winning again via last lap passes. As for the finish, I wished like hell it was Dale Jr getting pushed instead of being the pusher, but he likely figured that he could do a better job taking them to the front which he did. I'm hoping JJ doesn't forget that in the next RP race. Dale Jr gets his first top 5 at Talladega that wasn't a win or a 2nd, and his 7th straight finish of 12th or better, proving that the horrible results of the last two years were due to him having a minor league crew chief and a mediocre team overall. Through only eight races this season, he is now 3 top 10s and 1 top 5 away from equaling what he did in 2010. If he would lead some more laps, it wouldn't be a stretch to call him a championship contender. Third straight Talladega race with 87+ lead changes, but this was the most lead changes for a 188 lap race. 69. potatosalad48 posted: 04.17.2011 - 11:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) After this race, I am convinced Ryan Newman's car was controlled by a robot. 2 Amazing saves in a short span. He has excellent car control. 70. DerekJeterPumpkinEater posted: 04.17.2011 - 11:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I don't know what's left to say about Brad that hasn't been said already. I think post #39 sums up his season, and his career pretty well." I wasn't trying to imply Keselowski sucks, I just found that to be an interesting stat. However, it's very odd that exactly 2 years after Keselowski's breakthrough win, that he would be struggling so much on a top team. And considering 3 of his career top 10's have come at Talladega, today could have been a good day to turn it around. His last single digit finish came in the fall 2009 Talladega race, his last top 10 of any kind came in the fall 2010 Talladega race, when he finished 10th. 71. nascarfreak99 posted: 04.18.2011 - 12:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Just saw this race on Tivo as I was at Long Beach. Jesus I guess dirt track racing REALLY helped Newman and Blaney. Those guys made purely INCREDIBLE saves at the close end there. Kurt proves to be one of the worst pushers as he caused 3 [on camera] cars to lose control. The 2 car draft leaves its effect. I used to be in favor of this, but now I'm mixed. I don't believe in hanging back for 3/4 of the race. To me, that's just like this BS Chase crap that we have unfortunately seen the past 7 years. God knows I don't like the winner, but one helluva finish. 4 wide at the end and ties Ricky Craven v. Kurt Busch at Darlington for the closest finish in Cup history. #68 "On a weekend where the underdogs were supposed to have a shot at victory, one flipped over and the over got turned after being 5 laps away from a win, and the most dominant drivers in each series by far ended up winning again via last lap passes." Unfortunately, that's what's been happening quite recently. I really love to see guys like Nemechek, M Wallace, Smith, and Blaney running up front and in contention. But somehow, JJ and Shrub [my 2 least favorites] sweep the weekend, and turned what was [for me] an excitement filled weekend to a very disappointing front runners. It really pisses me off to see Steve Park...park. I hope Tommy puts him in the 36 at Daytona. Bayne, Ragan, and Busch all had considerably good runs cut short from wrecks. Good finishes for Gilliland and Lally. That 71 really needed a finish like this. Personally, I had a lot of heartbreaks in this race. Bayne, Ragan, Ambrose, Mikey, Blaney, B Labonte, Smith and Menard all looked like they had a chance but something happened. Record lead changes [I'm sure]. And another race where the winner passed in the last about 100 yards lol 72. Ryan posted: 04.18.2011 - 1:06 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Another mental breakdown for Kyle Busch. The 48 won because the guy behind him knows how to draft, knows when and where to push, and knows when to start making the move better than anyone else in the business. 73. NZNascarfan posted: 04.18.2011 - 1:31 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ok about that commemnt I made before, I was in the moment. I ment possibly the greatest finish ever. Because i was on the edge of my seat for the last 10 laps, and of my seat for the last 7. 74. New 14&88 Fan posted: 04.18.2011 - 1:37 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I don't like Kyle as much as the next, but I'll hardly call him being turned by his teammate stale bread a mental breakdown. What was with Kurt Busch and people spinning off his front bumper. Landon Cassill, Brad K and Dave Blaney(who had a great shot at pulling off an upset)all got spun out by him, non of 'em were intentional but come the July Daytona race I figure not too many drivers will be eager to have him as a pusher. All in all great four-wide finish between JJ, Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer, plus Carl and Biffle who literally came from no where on the last lap. Dale Jr. called the two car draft "crap" before the race, wonder what he thinks of it now. 75. John Royal posted: 04.18.2011 - 1:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Plate racing has changed for sure. Before drivers were concerned about whats happening in front of them. Now they are concerned about what is happening behind. It was heart breaking to see how Blaney fell to be another victim of Kurt's endeavors. I was hoping a good finish, or even a win for Blaney and that team. Well, on the other hand, Jimmies victory was surprise too. Jeff Gordon is new Dale Jarrett. 76. b4il3y posted: 04.18.2011 - 3:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) And...why wasn't the 48 and 88 pen for going below the yellow line? watch the repay haters...33 wins this race. 77. b4il3y posted: 04.18.2011 - 3:51 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Blaney's race..so wheres the fine for kurt? nah... nah nah nah nah... 78. soupclan posted: 04.18.2011 - 10:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) jimmies nickname is 5-time or dominator....harvick fits the mold of the closer RIGHT NOW!!!! how many races has jimmie closed the last year or so... not many in fact i think hes let more wins slip away the past year than has taken away. Harvick is the CLOSER get over it.....and screw JJ...great driver my ass...take away the chase and he only wins 2 of those 5 championships. 79. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.18.2011 - 12:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "take away the chase and he only wins 2 of those 5 championships." Yeah, well add the cha$e retroactively and Earnhardt only wins 2 championships. Seriously, I'm sick and tired of this crap. The 48 team clearly molds their whole season to peak and have their best stuff ready for the final 10 races WHEN THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS ACTUALLY DECIDED! Everybody knows at the beginning of every season how the champion will be determined. I'm not a JJ fan (although I respect the hell out of him), and I hate the cha$e, but you can't take any of their championships away. Go back to the old system, and the 48 team will just remold their approach and win them the old fashioned way. They are the best right now by far, JJ is the best racer right now by far. The cream rises to the top. 80. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 04.18.2011 - 3:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) What the hell was Kurt Busch doing out there? I can understand that bumping that causes wrecks happens in restrictor plate races, but he caused numerous incidents, and probably the one I'm most pissed at was ruining Blaney's good run. HMS seemed to have this race figured out. The fact that all 4 HMS cars finished in the top 8 proves that. 81. Talon64 posted: 04.18.2011 - 5:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kurt Busch killed a potential feel-good story in Landon Cassill who had a good car and finished 3rd in the NNS Daytona race for Finch, ruined a shot at a good result for his teammate to get his season on track, and ruined what could've been a fairy tale ending if Dave Blaney had moved from the "best not to win" to "worst to win" argument. Like I said in the last race thread, Roger Penske's fired guys just as good as Kurt because they were a pain in the ass... Jimmie Johnson wins his 54th career Cup race, tying him with Lee Petty for 9th all time. It's his 2nd Talladega win, and 1st top ten in the spring race since he finished 2nd in 2007. It's his 4th top 2 finish in 19 Talladega starts. This was Jimmie's first top 5 start in the last 16 races (16 top 5 starts in the previous 28 races before that). It's the 196th win for HMS, 4 away from joining Petty Enterprises as the only 200+ win teams in NASCAR history. Clint Bowyer posts back-to-back top 5 finishes for just the 2nd time in his Cup career (back-to-back 4th's at Chicagoland and Indy last season). It's Clint's 7th career runner-up finish, tying him with Greg Biffle, Lennie Pond, GC Spencer and Michael Waltrip for 71st all time. It's Clint's 3rd straight top 10 and 2nd straight top 2 finish at Talladega (3 top 5's, 5 top 10's in 11 starts). Jeff Gordon won his 70th career pole, putting him all alone in 3rd all time. It's a spot he'll likely reside in forever, because he needs 43 more poles to reach David Pearson in 2nd while Mark Martin and Ryan Newman are the closest active drivers with 49 and 46 respectively. Jeff finishes in the top 3 for the 192nd time in his career, 8 away from becoming the 6th with 200 podium finishes. And for those who don't care about podiums in NASCAR he's now by himself in 5th all time with 277 top fives, just 4 behind Dale Earnhardt for 4th and 24 behind David Pearson for 3rd. It's Jeff's 1st top five in his last 7 Talladega starts (2 top 10's, 21.0 avg fin over that span). It's his 14th top 5 in 37 Talladega starts. After just 5 top fives combined in the previous 2 seasons, Dale Jr. has 2 in the last 3 races. 3rd in points is the highest Dale Jr.'s been (not counting after 2010 Daytona 500) since he was 3rd after the night Bristol race in August of 2008, a span of 92 races before getting back there. It's just Dale Jr.'s 2nd top five in his last 13 Talladega starts (had 7 straight finishes of 1st or 2nd previous to that), but both coming in his last 5. Kevin Harvick gets his 3rd straight top 5 finish at Talladega, the longest active streak there (6 top 5's in 21 starts). His 81st career top 5 ties him with fellow 2001 rookie Kurt Busch for 41st all time as they're now basically joined at the hip in career top 5's and 10's (Kevin's on 160 top 10's to Kurt's 158). Carl Edwards now leads the series in top 10's with 6 in the first 8 races. He's one of only 10 drivers to finish all of the races so far yet he's not one of the 5 drivers leading the way in lead lap finishes with 7 (wrecked at Phoenix, lap down in Martinsville). It's Carl's 1st top ten in his last 9 starts at Talladega (21.9 avg fin), 4th in 14 career starts. Greg Biffle gets just his 3rd top 10 in 17 Talladega starts (best of 4th), but all have come in the last 5 races Mark Martin gets his best finish of the season so far in 8th, his 24th in 47 Talladega starts (now alone in 2nd all time in top 10's at Talladega; Dale Earnhardt leads the way with 27 in 44 starts). David Gilliland gets just his 6th career top 10 in 158 Cup starts, and just the 2nd for Front Row Motorsports (both by Gilliland this season on plate tracks) in 210 starts for them. 4 of Gilliland's top 10's have come at plate tracks (2 in 8 starts at Talladega, 2 in 6 at Daytona. Joey Logano gets his 1st top 10 of the season, and 4th in just 5 starts at Talladega. AJ Allmendinger gets his 5th top 15 finish of the season; he's only finished outside of the top 20 once this season, 31st at Bristol. 11th is his best career finish at Talladega (26.7 avg fin in 6 starts). Regan Smith gets his first top 20 finish since finishing 7th at Daytona. He's still the only full time driver averaging better than a 10th average start this season (7.8, Carl Edwards is 2nd at 11.2). Rookie Andy Lally gets his 2nd best finish in Cup, best on ovals, in 19th. But the #71 is still in 36th in the owners standings, 2 point behind the #13 for 35th and a locked-in spot. Dave Blaney led 21 laps, the 4th most he's ever led in a race (career high is 70 at Atlanta in 2001 driving for Bill Davis Racing but he finished 34th after losing his rear tire on a restart). 82. Rusty posted: 04.18.2011 - 5:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'll admit to being a Kurt Busch fan, but I will call him out when he screws up. I still think he's an absolute idiot for what he pulled with Tony Stewart a few years ago at Dover. But I have a hard time getting upset with Kurt over yesterday, it's not like those wrecks were the product of him being too agressive or clipping someone. Two of those incidents he was pushing the car in front and they lost control. I hated seeing all those incidents, but I don't think he was really driving stupid or wreckless, but he'll get all the criticism since he ended up being the one behind those guys, which is understood. 83. Daniel posted: 04.18.2011 - 5:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #71 Steve Park will indeed be driving the #36 at Daytona. Blaney will be in the #35. 84. 00andJoe posted: 04.18.2011 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #76 - They weren't penalised because they did not go BELOW the yellow line. They had their left side tires ON the double yellow line - which is perfectly legal. #80 - I suspect that the reaction to seeing the yellow #22 approaching in the rear-view mirror at Daytona will be near unaminous among the other drivers: go anywhere but in front of him. #82 - That would be a reasonable explanation if the same thing had been happening to other drivers pushing. But, it wasn't. "Once is an accident; twice is a coincidence; three times is a pattern." The fact that three cars Kurt was pushing got spun, and those were three different cars getting spun, points that there was -something- going on there. That reminds me, did they ever figure out if Ryan Newman's tire was going down the second time Hamlin spun the 39? 85. Smokefan05 posted: 04.18.2011 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well i guess i'll finally join the party. i hope there is beer and popcorn left. Now lets gets started: "#76 - They weren't penalised because they did not go BELOW the yellow line. They had their left side tires ON the double yellow line - which is perfectly legal." You've said it, so i don't have too. Jimmie was on it, NOT over it. But that will not stop people from complaining about it and bringing up driver of the #78 (btw Smiff he didn't win that race, Paul Menard did. ;-)) Whoever said Ryan Newmans car was driven by a robot i agree. No human could have done that (twice). As much as i dislike Mikey for wrecking 1/3 of the field at Daytona, what Kurt and Denny was crazy. They apprently don't know how to bump draft or have forgotten how too. And to pause this post to bash one of my favorite drivers *clear thorats*: ROBBY YOU MORON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT WERE YOU DOING!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?! I WATCH YOU AND CASEY MEARS SCREW AROUND FOR HALF A LAP AND LOSE A SHOT AT WINNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND CASEY WAS A BETTER PUSHER THEN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *SCREAMS* Ok i'm done now, moving on. :-P Dave Blaney had the feel good story of the race until he got moved by Happy Harvick but saved it. And speaking of a Tommy B. car, why did Steve Park S&P? Oh where oh where is Tony Stewert. oh where oh where can he be? Oh that is right finishing in the back. >:-( I've had dreams of finishes like what i saw Sunday. I can die happy now. ;-P 86. dirtfan9628 posted: 04.19.2011 - 12:34 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Another mental breakdown for Kyle Busch. The 48 won because the guy behind him knows how to draft, knows when and where to push, and knows when to start making the move better than anyone else in the business." So when Busch gets spun from behind, it's a mental breakdown, but when Johnson gets a good push, the guy behind him is suddenly means something? So which is it, does the pusher affect anything, or don't they? That comment was so stupid I doubt even DaleSrFanForever would agree with it. 87. Anonymous85 posted: 04.19.2011 - 1:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well I will say that my early candidate for biggest disappointment of the season has got to be Denny Hamlin he has been a non factor for the most part in this early season and I don't think he and Mike Ford have been speaking to each other ever since they let championship slip through their fingers at homestead 88. DNoon posted: 04.19.2011 - 1:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Can anybody be a Pizza Hut Fan Favorite other than Jeff Gordan? What a Sham! 89. DNoon posted: 04.19.2011 - 1:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I guess I misspelled Gordon's last name. Must be the alcohol talking. At least I corrected myself! Anyway, is this Pizza Hut Fan Favorite "thing" on Fox fixed? 90. irony posted: 04.19.2011 - 2:02 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think JJ's left side tires did cross the line a tad just before the tri-oval. It wasn't enough to care about IMO, but I can see how people would question it. And Regan Smith did win that race, unless you think he should of put Stewart in the grandstand like the Carl/Kes deal. 91. 00andJoe posted: 04.19.2011 - 3:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) #87: Funny. The exact same thing was said after the first couple of races, except with "Dale Earnhardt Jr." replacing "Jeff Gordon" in the sentence. #85: Park presumably parked because TBR didn't want to risk getting their backup car torn up. Although fans despise it, there are actually some good reasons for S&Ping in the absence of funding to run a whole race. One was touched on by DW during the race, although he could have expanded on what he said: it keeps you "out there", people know you're still around, and when you get the chance/funding you can actually Do Something. In addition though, there's an even more valid reason: economics. The people who scream "don't come to the track unless you're going to run the whole race!" need to remember one thing: a race team that isn't racing is not making any money torwards its upkeep. Race teams cost cubic dollars, as it's been said; if you're not at the track, your cash flow is all negative. If you show up at the track, though, all it's going to cost you (beyond salaries and transporter fuel, of course, the former, at least, you'd be paying anyway) is, say, two sets of Goodyear Eagles. That $40,000-$80,000 you pick up at the cash window will pay for that and more, plus by showing up at the track, you can sell associate sponsor spots for a few hundred or few thousand dollars just to have your name on the C-pillar or trunk during qualifying and the pace laps. While they obviously won't pay for the operation, they might well be enough to keep your race team afloat until somebody willing to write the big check comes along, at which point you still actually have a race team to race with, which you might not if you hadn't turned up every week to run 3-5 laps... ...and since your backup car is in the hauler at the track already, why not take the calculated risk of buying another set or two of Goodyears, rolling it off the hauler, and sticking somebody good at being fast for one or two laps in it to cash another $40,000-$80,000 check to help keep the team going? Yeah, S&P sucks. But it's better than the alternative. 92. Anonymous posted: 04.19.2011 - 9:28 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dale Jr passed Bobby Allison for 4th on all time laps led at Talladega. He also has the longest current streak of laps led at the track. 93. roygbiv posted: 04.19.2011 - 11:03 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I guess mental breakdowns can occur even when you get wrecked from behind. Thanks for that insight Ryan. These restrictor-plate races are based more on luck now than ever. 94. potatosalad48 posted: 04.19.2011 - 12:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) A good race for the Chevy bowties, sweeping the top 5 spots. 95. Eric posted: 04.19.2011 - 1:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ryan made that comment about Kyle Busch because he wants aggravate people that support Kyle Busch. Ryan did the same thing with to Dale Earnhardt Jr. haters when Dale Jr. was struggling by "typing Jr. is back!" after Dale Jr. gets a top 10. Ryan even admitted one of his posts in the past that he posts! "Jr is back!" because he wants to drive Dale Jr. haters nuts. 96. Eric posted: 04.19.2011 - 1:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) While Ryan is fan of some drivers, he will go to extremes to defend them. He also will go out of his way to bash a driver he doesn't like even there is no logic to it. What I try to say if you have problems what Ryan says including those who are not fan of Kyle Busch, just don't respond to Ryan. It is the same thing with a Kyle Busch Fan that people call Octo Troll on Yahoo, Espn, and Fox. Octo Troll is a Kyle Busch Fan that created a lot of accounts the cheer on Kyle Busch and drivers of JGR, but bashes the crap out of HMS drivers including Mark Martin by calling Mark "Mummy Martin". I think OctO Troll has created over 20 different accounts at least on Espn, Fox, and Yahoo since 2008 or 2009. 97. sk posted: 04.19.2011 - 2:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) word is bill elliott got out of the car so he could go see his son race, but qualified to make sure the 46 would be in the field at all. 98. Smokefan05 posted: 04.19.2011 - 3:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And Regan Smith did win that race, unless you think he should of put Stewart in the grandstand like the Carl/Kes deal." No he didn't, his teammate did. ;-) Be a man and hold your ground. Carl Wrecked himself by blocking twice. Oh and would someone like to say Brad should have lift off the gas? It would have been Tonys fault because he blocked wrecked himself *if* Regan held his ground. But sadly he didn't and what happened and we have a are opinions on what happened. 99. Anonymous posted: 04.19.2011 - 6:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) About the Kurt Busch thing. In Championships around the world, you get penalized for careless/reckless driving. Perhaps NASCAR should take some notes. 100. Cooper posted: 04.19.2011 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Paul Menard should've been the winner of that race... Regan Smith should've been penalized for going under the yellow line. Tony Stewart should've been penalized for forcing him below the yellow line. Unfortunately the NASCAR rule book is designed on an etch n sketch. 101. Anonymous posted: 04.19.2011 - 7:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Like I said in the last race thread, Roger Penske's fired guys just as good as Kurt because they were a pain in the ass..." If he were to fire Kurt, he may as well pack up his NASCAR operation and stick with Indycars. Kurt has been the face of Dodge and that race team for a long time now. "Clint Bowyer posts back-to-back top 5 finishes for just the 2nd time in his Cup career (back-to-back 4th's at Chicagoland and Indy last season)" I believe he had back to back top 5s at Homestead and Daytona from '08 to '09. 102. Talon64 posted: 04.19.2011 - 7:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ah, you're right. Then that makes it 3 times Clint's had back-to-back top 5's but never more than 2 in a row. 103. Eric posted: 04.19.2011 - 8:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Speed Channel announced the 25 nominees for the Nascar Hall of Fame They are the following: Buck Baker Red Bryon Richard Childress Jerry Cook ?? modified driver legend H. Clay Earles ?? Martinsville promoter Richie Evans ?? Modified driver legend Tim Flock Rick Hendrick Jack Ingram ?? Late Model Sportsman/Busch Series Driver legend Dale Inman Bobby Isaac Fred Lorenzen Cotton Owns ?? owner/driver/mechanic Raymond Parks Benny Parsons Les Richter ?? executive/Promoter Glen ??fireball? Roberts T. Wayne Robertson ?? Executive/ Sports Marketer Herb Thomas Curtis Turner Darrell Waltrip Joe Weatherly Glen Wood Leonard Wood Cale Yarborough I have Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Inman, Glen Wood, and Herb Thomas being in 2012 Nascar Hall of Fame. I was torn not having Leonard Wood since I have his brother Glen. I have a difficult time not putting on Cotton Owens or H. Clay Earles on my list. It is hard for me not to put Cotton owens in my 5 for going to the Nascar Hall of Fame based what he did in Nascar in the 1950's and 1960's besides being a driver. H. Clay Earles was one of the original track promoters of Nascar and his track is the only original cup track still on the Nascar Schedule. 104. 00andJoe posted: 04.19.2011 - 8:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'd say the most likely list will be Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, T. Wayne Robertson, Rick Hendrick, and Fireball Roberts. Note these aren't who I'd pick, but considering politcs, well... If I was voting: Yarborough, Robertson, Roberts, Richie Evans and Curtis Turner. 105. Anonymous posted: 04.19.2011 - 9:12 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Johnson dropped his tires below the f**king line you f**king morons. All you sombitches are letting the "chase" rule your belief that johnson is the greatest ever when he is not. i guarentee that if it was blaney or gilliland or smith or any of the non popular drivers that done that exact same move they would have been black flagged instantly and you guys know it. i have watched that replay a hundred times and you can clearly see johnson go below the line as he just nipped past mark. dale jr looked as if he went down there too, plus you can clearly see him go below the line on jr's onboard camera. go watch that replay, and constantly do it, look at johnson car and look at the line! nascar let that f**k get by with another cheat...ruining this sport is what they are doing...plain and simple. just a shame because that was a good race too! 106. irony posted: 04.19.2011 - 11:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yup, JJ went under. Surprised so many don't see that. As I said earlier though, I think it was minor and am OK with the no-call, as he neither started nor finished the pass down there. Back to Regan 2008, he could of held his line as Keselowski did, and could of gotten a fans jaw broken like Keselowski did (no not blaming Kes or even Carl.. blaming NASCAR). Regan did the logical thing and he won the race. Besides it was pretty well explained by the announcers in those days that if you got forced down it's not your fault. 107. Ryan posted: 04.20.2011 - 12:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Dale Jr. called the two car draft "crap" before the race, wonder what he thinks of it now." Crap "Yeah, well add the cha$e retroactively and Earnhardt only wins 2 championships. Seriously, I'm sick and tired of this crap. The 48 team clearly molds their whole season to peak and have their best stuff ready for the final 10 races WHEN THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS ACTUALLY DECIDED! Everybody knows at the beginning of every season how the champion will be determined. I'm not a JJ fan (although I respect the hell out of him), and I hate the cha$e, but you can't take any of their championships away. Go back to the old system, and the 48 team will just remold their approach and win them the old fashioned way. They are the best right now by far, JJ is the best racer right now by far. The cream rises to the top." It's because he runs better at the Chase tracks. If there were different tracks in the chase other than the ones that's in there he might have two titles. "So when Busch gets spun from behind, it's a mental breakdown, but when Johnson gets a good push, the guy behind him is suddenly means something? So which is it, does the pusher affect anything, or don't they? That comment was so stupid I doubt even DaleSrFanForever would agree with it." Well let me ask you this, Who would you rather push you, Jr. or Logano? "Ryan made that comment about Kyle Busch because he wants aggravate people that support Kyle Busch. Ryan did the same thing with to Dale Earnhardt Jr. haters when Dale Jr. was struggling by "typing Jr. is back!" after Dale Jr. gets a top 10. Ryan even admitted one of his posts in the past that he posts! "Jr is back!" because he wants to drive Dale Jr. haters nuts." Lol, Kyle did a good job, until he let Logano push him... bad idea "While Ryan is fan of some drivers, he will go to extremes to defend them. He also will go out of his way to bash a driver he doesn't like even there is no logic to it. What I try to say if you have problems what Ryan says including those who are not fan of Kyle Busch, just don't respond to Ryan." You'll live Eric, go take your panties off and put you're big boy under wear on. It's comments about a race, everyone is entitled to their opinion. "Johnson dropped his tires below the f**king line you f**king morons. All you sombitches are letting the "chase" rule your belief that johnson is the greatest ever when he is not. i guarentee that if it was blaney or gilliland or smith or any of the non popular drivers that done that exact same move they would have been black flagged instantly and you guys know it. i have watched that replay a hundred times and you can clearly see johnson go below the line as he just nipped past mark. dale jr looked as if he went down there too, plus you can clearly see him go below the line on jr's onboard camera. go watch that replay, and constantly do it, look at johnson car and look at the line! nascar let that f**k get by with another cheat...ruining this sport is what they are doing...plain and simple. just a shame because that was a good race too!" Johnson's tires were on the line, they didn't go below it, and while they were on them they didn't exactly pass the cars right then, when he got off the yellow line then they passed, so either way it doesn't matter. Perfectly timed manuevers by the 48 and 88. 108. 00andJoe posted: 04.20.2011 - 11:23 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) As noted, ON the line =/= BELOW the line. 109. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.20.2011 - 12:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "So when Busch gets spun from behind, it's a mental breakdown, but when Johnson gets a good push, the guy behind him is suddenly means something? So which is it, does the pusher affect anything, or don't they? That comment was so stupid I doubt even DaleSrFanForever would agree with it." How did I get dragged into this? "It's because he runs better at the Chase tracks. If there were different tracks in the chase other than the ones that's in there he might have two titles." And why do you think he runs so well at those tracks? His 3 biggest (relative) weaknesses are Bristol, the road courses, and Michigan. What do all 3 have in common? In 2004 he swept the Darlington races. They took it out of the cha$e, and he hasn't won there since. Although all 3 of his plate wins have come in non cha$e races, compare his average finish since 2006 in the first 3 plate races and the Fall Dega race. These guys know where their bread is buttered. Switch the tracks, and they'll just switch where they dominate at by focusing on them. My 2012 HOF: Cale, Darrell, Raymond Parks, Ritchie Evans, and T Wayne Robertson. 110. Smokefan05 posted: 04.20.2011 - 4:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "As noted, ON the line =/= BELOW the line." Just give up, some people will just never get it. You can give people glasses and they still say went below. -_- 111. irony posted: 04.20.2011 - 6:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JJ has put a lot of work into being a better road racer, and it has paid off. He definitely puts most of his focus on the chase though, and I really think Harvick is doing the same this year. His performance at the intermediates just scream R&D to me. That's been an area of weakness for RCR since 2002 and I think they are determined to fix that before the chase. I expect them to use Dover as a test session as well. 112. Talon64 posted: 04.20.2011 - 6:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The 2 wins affords the #29 the chance to just test, test, test the rest of the regular season since they're virtually locked into the Chase. Since the start of the Chase in 2004 there's never been more than 2 multiple-time winners in the first 26 races who missed the Chase (McMurray in 2010, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth in 2008, Kasey Kahne in 2008, none in 2007, Tony Stewart in 2006, Jeff Gordon in 2005, none in 2004). In 2007 Casey Mears was the highest in points outside of the Chase with a win so he would've been in, and in 2004 it was Rusty Wallace. 113. Talon64 posted: 04.20.2011 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) okay correction on that, never more than 2 multi-time winners who weren't in top 10 in points after the first 26 races: McMurray in 2010, Kyle and Matt in 2009, Kahne in 2008, none in 2007 (Truex Jr. and Harvick were 11th and 12th with a win each so they would've been the wild cards, Mears' wouldn't have qualified), Tony in 2006, Gordon in 2005, none in 2004. So the Mears thing was the only real correction. 114. Anonymous posted: 04.21.2011 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Third straight Talladega race where the previous winner finished a photo finish like second. 115. Ryan posted: 04.21.2011 - 12:25 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "As noted, ON the line =/= BELOW the line." Nascar rules say differently. His tires were on the line, not below. Sort of like a baseball that hits the foul line. It is fair. Like Johnson's tires were on the line but not in foul territory and when he passed he wasn't on the line. So it's a moot point. "And why do you think he runs so well at those tracks? His 3 biggest (relative) weaknesses are Bristol, the road courses, and Michigan. What do all 3 have in common? In 2004 he swept the Darlington races. They took it out of the cha$e, and he hasn't won there since. Although all 3 of his plate wins have come in non cha$e races, compare his average finish since 2006 in the first 3 plate races and the Fall Dega race. These guys know where their bread is buttered. Switch the tracks, and they'll just switch where they dominate at by focusing on them." Johnson and Knaus have both even admitted that they have been real fortunate to have their better tracks in the Chase. 116. Smokefan05 posted: 04.21.2011 - 2:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Nascar rules say differently. His tires were on the line, not below. Sort of like a baseball that hits the foul line. It is fair. Like Johnson's tires were on the line but not in foul territory and when he passed he wasn't on the line. So it's a moot point." yeah but you do know that the foul pole in baseball is in fair territory? If you hit the foul pole in baseball its a home run. Jimmie hit the foul pole, so he won. 117. Ryan posted: 04.21.2011 - 11:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "yeah but you do know that the foul pole in baseball is in fair territory? If you hit the foul pole in baseball its a home run. Jimmie hit the foul pole, so he won." OK As long as your tires don't get below it AND pass someone it's fine. 118. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.22.2011 - 12:07 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) DSFF- All this, I support 110%!!!!! And why do you think he runs so well at those tracks? His 3 biggest (relative) weaknesses are Bristol, the road courses, and Michigan. What do all 3 have in common? In 2004 he swept the Darlington races. They took it out of the cha$e, and he hasn't won there since. Although all 3 of his plate wins have come in non cha$e races, compare his average finish since 2006 in the first 3 plate races and the Fall Dega race. These guys know where their bread is buttered. Switch the tracks, and they'll just switch where they dominate at by focusing on them. My 2012 HOF: Cale, Darrell, Raymond Parks, Ritchie Evans, and T Wayne Robertson. 119. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.22.2011 - 12:18 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) This may sound strange, but it almost seems as if the #48 team can coil and recoil at will over the course of the first 26 races. Take their slow 2008 start for an example and juxtapose it with the number of times in 2010 JJ spun out in a few races between late April and July. I have a soft suspicion the #48 team wants to win at Michigan, Darlington, Kentucky and Watkins Glen this year, in addition to going full bore at their usual stomping grounds before the Chase. They know how hard to race to be in the Chase, that is goal number #1 and they will likely test setups and go for wins at the previously mentioned tracks before the Chase as icings on the cake or extra bonuses, like they did at Bristol/Infineon in 2010. 120. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.22.2011 - 12:26 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Smoke05fan- Genius Intro! Take another swig and pass the popcorn... long work week leads to no time to comment on this extraordinary/record tying race. "Well i guess i'll finally join the party. i hope there is beer and popcorn left. Now lets gets started:" Dave Blaney- When was the last time an underfunded car led the most or 2nd most laps in a Cup race? Bueller, Bueller??? 121. Anonymous posted: 04.22.2011 - 4:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "You'll live Eric, go take your panties off and put you're big boy under wear on. It's comments about a race, everyone is entitled to their opinion." We're all entitled to our opinion, and my opinion is that you know nothing about racing, and you frequently make outlandish claims that have no factual basis, but you still act like they are fact, despite how ridiculous and stupid they make you look. But hey, that's just my opinion! I'm just glad you finally stopped calling brakes; "breaks". 122. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.23.2011 - 6:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Johnson and Knaus have both even admitted that they have been real fortunate to have their better tracks in the Chase." What are they gonna say? "Hey everyone, we tailor our focus and preparation to make sure we are at our strongest in the final 10 races when the championship is actually decided. That is how we've won 5 in a row, and you all might wanna consider doing the same". Of course they are gonna play that down. 123. Eric posted: 04.25.2011 - 12:35 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) @121, I never called brakes "breaks" a first place. There is multiple people that use the name Eric on this site. You claimed my facts are wrong. I follow racing since the 1980's. I go to jayski for 13 years for rumors and stats such as a driver's rankings in wins and what drivers they tied in wins. If you are the same Anonymous back that criticized me a couple years ago, you should the last one to talk. You typed Gordon's rookie year wrong by 1994 was his rookie, not 1993. You don't even go to Jeff Gordon's page on this site to find that out. 124. Anonymous posted: 04.25.2011 - 12:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "@121, I never called brakes "breaks" a first place. There is multiple people that use the name Eric on this site. You claimed my facts are wrong. I follow racing since the 1980's. I go to jayski for 13 years for rumors and stats such as a driver's rankings in wins and what drivers they tied in wins. If you are the same Anonymous back that criticized me a couple years ago, you should the last one to talk. You typed Gordon's rookie year wrong by 1994 was his rookie, not 1993. You don't even go to Jeff Gordon's page on this site to find that out." Hey now, that wasn't directed at you, it was a response to Ryan. That's why I quoted Ryan, your name just happened to be in the quote. I think if you go back and look at the timeline of events, it will make sense. So, in summary, Ryan is the idiot that for several weeks called brakes, "breaks," and general other stupid stuff. You actually make sense when you say something, I remember some good stuff about the Hall of Fame a few weeks back in particular. Ryan is just a biased idiot who claims to understand racing, but doesn't. There, hopefully that's cleared up. 125. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.25.2011 - 1:16 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) DaleSrFanForever- No possible way... I thought all along the #48 team just implemented a 'fly by the seat of your pants,' within the confines of a 1990s Rainbow Warriors' Refuse to Lose strategy since 2006. In all seriousness, last year Denny Hamlin tried to tailor his team's focus in the final five races... how did that work out for ya Diva? Meltdown much? Its like a bad reality show with one genius and many foolish, vain imbeciles stepping into a series of hijinxes. What are they gonna say? "Hey everyone, we tailor our focus and preparation to make sure we are at our strongest in the final 10 races when the championship is actually decided. That is how we've won 5 in a row, and you all might wanna consider doing the same". Of course they are gonna play that down. 126. 00andJoe posted: 04.25.2011 - 7:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Richmond entry list is out. 44 cars: Stremme in the #30 Inception Motorsports Chevy Schrader in the #32 Skinner in the #60 Brian Keselowski is entered 127. slb posted: 04.25.2011 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) dalesrfanforever has to be the biggest idiot in nascar. a so called dale sr fan that likes jimmie buts hates harvick? this is proof positive why i hated dale sr. ive been a harvick fan since he was in the 2 car. he's had some lean years but its so easy to be a front runner. it takes a real fan to stick with a driver and not go with whoever is winning this week. do everyone a favor and crawl back under that rock you been living under 128. Smokefan05 posted: 04.25.2011 - 9:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^ Wow just wow. I know DSFF rubs people the wrong way but jeez dude, you take the cake when it comes to taking this personally. btw is it just me or are people doing that more now a days. DSFF hates Jimmie too but he has already sung that song before. I see no reason for him to repeat that again. You owe me a beer DSFF. :-P 129. Eric posted: 04.25.2011 - 11:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @124, It is clear up. 130. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.26.2011 - 9:24 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Slb, my favorite driver is Brad Keselowski. How is that being a front runner? He can't finish in the top 10 to save his life. He just has no comfort in Penske's Dodges and that shows no signs of getting better. I'm not a JJ fan, but I respect greatness when I see it. Plus, of the people who are legiimate threats for the title, JJ is the less of all evils. Somebody has to win the Cup. Better him than some jerk like Kyle, Denny, Carl, or Harvick. 131. Cooper posted: 04.27.2011 - 10:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The above comment is 100% valid and correct. 132. 00andJoe posted: 04.27.2011 - 10:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Tommy Baldwin Racing has now signed a sponsor for the season. 19 races with Golden Corral as primary (the remaining nine, as an associate), with Big Red signing as a primary for five races. Woot! 133. 18fan posted: 04.28.2011 - 2:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like there likely will be a crew chief swap at Gibbs with Zippy going to Denny's team and Mike Ford going to Logano's team. 134. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.28.2011 - 9:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Hey, they stole my idea at Gibbs. They read this website and stole it from me. Just kidding In all seriousness, this could be big for Denny (as much as I hate that). Zippy is a hell of a crew chief. He knows ho to get the most out of tempermental drivers (see Stewart, Tony 99-08) and could be just what Denny needs. Him and Mike hated each other. 135. Anonymous posted: 04.28.2011 - 10:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Carl's first top 10 at Talladega since the 2006 spring race. 136. Talon64 posted: 04.28.2011 - 5:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JD went on SPEED's RaceHub yesterday and said the reports are false. I still maintain Jason Ratcliffe will be Logano's new CC eventually. 137. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.28.2011 - 7:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JGR is denying it. I still think it would be a good idea. But I also can't stand Denny, so I'm glad he'll be stuck with a crew chief he hates. 138. Anonymous85 posted: 04.29.2011 - 12:27 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well Like I said I don't think that Denny and Mike are seeing eye to eye right now. DSFF if you had been in the 11 car at the season finale at homestead with the same points advantage that Hamlin had how would you have handled the situation differently 139. 18fan posted: 04.29.2011 - 2:26 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I know I wouldn't have taken it three wide seeing how many spots he'd already made up in a short amount of time and he had a great car. Patience would've done the job for Denny. 140. Anonymous85 posted: 04.29.2011 - 2:57 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) At post 139 I probably would have done the same if put in the same position I would have taken my time getting to the front not and not made any of the irrational mistakes the he and his crew chief did like you said a little patience would have gone a long way for the 11 car 141. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.29.2011 - 10:32 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "DSFF if you had been in the 11 car at the season finale at homestead with the same points advantage that Hamlin had how would you have handled the situation differently" First of all, I would have admitted I was nervous. Not just publically, but to myself. Instead of putting on a horribly transparent tough guy act, I would admit it and embrace it. That would help me deal with the pressure as well as counteracting JJ's mind games. The more Denny tried to put up a brave face, the more JJ needled him into submission before the green flag even dropped. How many times had JJ admitted he was nervous entering Cup, and that keeping that nervous "If I don't perform, I'm done" has allowed him to stay on top. Mostly, I'd realize I still had the points lead. I'd also realize that I had a noticeable speed advantage over the 48 in the races since the spoiler replaced the wing. Remember, in '10, JJ won 3 of his 6 races in the first 5 races when they still had that ugly wing. Denny got all 8 of his wins with the spoiler. Basically, see my "motivational" post on Denny's page in the week leading to Homestead. That is how I felt then, and it is how I feel now. He let his nerves get the best of him. He also let his anger towrds Mike Ford get the best of him. I think that is what bugged him the most after Phoenix. He felt Mike should have done a better job with strategy. If they had better communication, they could have realized immediately they needed to make a major attempt at fixing the car. But they had no communication. 142. the_man posted: 04.29.2011 - 9:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) David Ragan on a 39th place finish: "I just hate our UPS team got caught up in a wreck today. You??re absolutely on top of it 100 percent of the time, and driving 100 percent ?? that??s ultimately what will cause some accidents. It??s exciting. It??s different. I haven??t figured out whether I like it or not, but your heart is racing the whole time. You feel like you??re at Bristol. I was just down the back straightaway. Matt and I were just cruising and I smelled smoke and oil, like someone was blowing up. I looked at our gauges and I thought it was me at first, and then I realized it wasn??t. Then I saw the No. 2 spin and someone clipped us in our right-rear quarter and I was just along for the ride.? 143. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 04.29.2011 - 11:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I agree that it wouldn't hurt to give Zippy a chance over at the #11 team, because he and Joey are just not meshing, and Denny & Mike seem to be fading as far as good chemistry goes. I really don't care how it goes either way, because I don't like any of the JGR drivers. 144. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.30.2011 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well put, summarized my views on Hamlin/Ford's relationship since November 2010. 141. DaleSrFanForever posted: 04.29.11 - 10:32 am 145. Jarrett88fan posted: 04.30.2011 - 12:41 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Johnson is not my favorite, but I admire and appreciate what he has done since 2002. He hasn't had an 'off' year yet. My favorite driver was and is Dale Jarrett for all time. I liked DJ's business-as-usual, working-man's kind of driver attitude. For that reason, I've liked other drivers such as the Labonte's, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, etc. Honestly, I want a few Cup drivers to step up and beat Jimmie Johnson. People in the media and fans alike ask the question, "How can one driver/team dominate and win so many championships?" The answer: No other driver/team is in the same league as JJ for a myriad of reasons performance, equipment, luck, personal/psychological reasons. Other drivers in bygone eras had at least one equal, Pearson to Petty, Waltrip/Wallace/Martin/Gordon to Earnhardt, Jarrett/Martin to Gordon, but Jimmie Johnson has no one. Why? Only Smoke and Kurt Busch can lay at least a partial claim to beating Jimmie straight up. That is not to say the previously mentioned drivers were all equal talent wise, but there seemed to be more parity before 2006. 146. cjs3872 posted: 05.14.2011 - 11:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Trevor Bayne's crash on lap 91 may have started his serious prolems as I suspect that he may have suffered a head injury as a result of that incident, though that's just speculation, some of his symptoms seem to match associated with post-concussion syndrome, which we've heard a lot about concerning football players. Also, while many people don't like the tandem, tag-team drafting that takes place, it's better that what we had before, since it speads the field out and virtually eliminates blocking, which have been two of my pet peeves with RP racing for years. That diminishes, but dos not totally eliminate the possibility of a field-decimating crash that involves between one-third and one-half of the field. (There was a 19-car crash in this race in 1973 and a crash that eliminated almost every big-name driver except Bobby Allison in this race in 1979, so huge wrecks at Talladega existed even before the modern restrictor plate era began in 1988.) There are also those that criticize Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for staying behind Jimmie Johnson, but both drivers seemed to agree that Earnhardt, in fact had the faster car, and in a tandem draft, you want the faster car to be PUSHING (remember the Daytona 500, where the fastest car was the one doing the PUSHING all day. Both Earnhardt and Johnson realized that if Johnson was pushing Earnhardt, that they wouldn't have been nearly as fast, meaning that if Johnson had been pushing, that there was a strong possibility that neither would have been in contention to win. And isn't it ironic that it was Mark Martin, who some felt cost Tony Stewart a chance to win the Daytona 500 by not pushing him on the final restart, might have cost Jeff Gordon a possible victory on the run to the finish, as the two became separated at the very end. Also, my 2012 HOF class: Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip (which would make the top six winningest eligible drivers would then be in the HOF), along with crew chief Dale Inman (the only man associated with 8 championships in NASCAR's highest series), and both Glen and Leonard Wood (if you had any doubt, just recall the 2011 Daytona 500, which put them and their team back in the spotlight they never deserved to be out of). 147. Daniel posted: 05.21.2012 - 3:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) In using fastest 43: #37 Tony Raines, #60 Mike Skinner, #66 Michael McDowell Out using fastest 43: #7 Sam Hornish Jr., #32 Terry Labonte, #46 Bill Elliott 148. AutoRockinRacing94 posted: 07.06.2012 - 10:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I still think the Darlington finish was better, and nobody mentioned that sadly it was Jeff Gordon's first loss on a last lap pass (1998 The Winston doesn't count since it was a non-points race) in his career. Dat gum it! 149. Robert Nelson posted: 07.12.2012 - 8:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) F1 points: Carl Edwards 92 Kevin Harvick 80 Kyle Busch 77 Jimmie Johnson 77 150. joey2448 posted: 05.01.2013 - 5:51 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Post #68 -- "I don't know what's left to say about Brad that hasn't been said already. I think post #39 sums up his season, and his career pretty well. He's embarassing the history of the Blue Deuce each and every week, and will probably be out of that ride after this year or next. Enough said." --Bronco Hahahahahaha that's an interesting post. Funny how that has turned out! 151. JC posted: 03.16.2016 - 6:14 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I'd bet Mark Martin has the closest margin to the race winner an 8th place finisher has ever had in NASCAR history. Not much more than a car length. 152. Maverick11 posted: 03.18.2016 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Mark Martin finished .145 seconds behind 1st. I'd say you're right, 153. Tide1732 (Blake Koch wins at Daytona!) posted: 06.26.2017 - 3:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Steve Park last cup race to date. 154. Timothy Eklund posted: 03.07.2018 - 12:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ahhhh, This was the first race I ever went to. Sadly I don't remember any of the racing, I just remember the long drive. 155. Sandy posted: 04.02.2020 - 2:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DC 7 Sam Hornish Jr 156. AntonyBlalock posted: 04.17.2020 - 7:23 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Last Career Start for Steve Park fitting ends in a Start and Park. 157. danny posted: 09.29.2020 - 11:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) You want to relive this race again, you can before you watch Talladega's first ever Saturday double NASCAR day you can watch the race with 88 lead changes equaled and the closest finish ever equaled on your FS1 station Saturday morning. 158. Rich posted: 12.19.2020 - 9:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip were the commentators. Dr. Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda were the pit road reporters. Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond were in the Hollywood hotel. 159. Altracing posted: 12.31.2020 - 9:05 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Quote of the race from Kevin Harvick: "I'm gonna have nightmares tonight about kids eating free." Of course that was a reference to Dave Blaney who he had been pushing most of the race and their sponsor Golden Corral which promised that kids would eat for free at their restaurant on Monday if Blaney could finish in the top ten. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Post a comment:* Your comment may not appear immediately - all comments must be approved by the moderator. Name: Comment: