|| *Comments on the 2011 STP 400:* View the most recent comment <#157> | Post a comment <#post> 1. BON GORDON posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Finally a good finish for gordon. I was at my buddies dirt bike race and missed it. What happened? 2. Rusty posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:16 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Ugh.....Kurt had the field covered but ended up 9th over pit strategy and the gas not picking up after a pit stop. He could've at least got 3rd or 4th. 9th really stinks for a car that good. Brad Keselowski and Dale Jr. pretty much ran the last 5 laps at a snails pace to make sure they had enough. Paid off for them. Despite not doing much of anything all year before this race, Brad is now on the verge of being in the Chase over one race. I just wish NASCAR would've left the points system alone years ago. We don't need a chase or a wildcard to manufacture championship drama. 3. AlmirolaFan88 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dale Earnhardt Jr. has finished 2nd in each of Brad Keselowski's wins. 4. Eric posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) What happened today in terms of fuel mileage could also happen at Pocono and Michigan. The drivers that gambled on fuel Stewart, Brad, Dale Jr., Hamlin, and a couple others. The 14 team was forced to change their strategy since it looked like Stewart would run out of fuel. Brad played fuel mileage perfectly. Someone needs to tell the crew chief of the 14 that although Stewart won a fuel mileage race in the past, that is not his specialty. Dale's spin helped him get his finish by the team being force to change strategy for a top 5 finish. 5. Anonymous posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (3) A restrictor plate win, now a fuel mileage win. Maybe someday Keselowski can win a real race. This is, quite pathetically, only his 3rd top 5 ever, with 2 of them being lucky wins. Even his other top 5 was because of a late pit strategy that no one expected to work. Keselowski has yet to run strong an entire race and finish there. But I'm sure his many fans are pissing themselves right now over this gifted win. 6. Anonymous85 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) I am not going to Acknowledge this Victory as Far as I am concerned Brad K did not win this race No way No How 7. Anonymous posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) blah blah blah the fuel strategy haters crying wolf. Shocker. Fuel strategy has ALWAYS been apart of NASCAR. Get the f**k over it you morons. Awesome job Brad!! 8. Zed3_88fan4eva posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:30 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Folks, a win is a win. Even if it was a fuel mileage win he still put himself in posistion to win. Half the people that post on here are pathetic 9. the MAN posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) paul wolf is the MAN!! brad k and wolf are quite the tandem! 10. JP88 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wow guys, what's with all the Brad hate on here...Did anyone not see the finish last week and how screwed Brad got, he probably would have won if not for getting stuck behind Kasey. He's been running a lot better in the famed #2, thank god cause in the start of the year something was wrong with Penske but it looks like they got it sorted out. Not sure why you would want to not acknowledge this win, I think he earned it and Paul Wolfe made a great strategy call. Regan Smith deserved his win as they made a great call, Brad does as well. 11. Anonymous85 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Maybe we are pathetic maybe we aren't but is that any reason to post the same sentence 3 times on this board. 12. JP88 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The only time I would ever not really count a win was Logano's lone win and Reutimann's Coke 600 fluke where neither ran well and got the win in the rain-shortened event 13. Smokefan05 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "A restrictor plate win, now a fuel mileage win. Maybe someday Keselowski can win a real race. This is, quite pathetically, only his 3rd top 5 ever, with 2 of them being lucky wins. Even his other top 5 was because of a late pit strategy that no one expected to work. Keselowski has yet to run strong an entire race and finish there. But I'm sure his many fans are pissing themselves right now over this gifted win." Wins are wins. drivers will take them anyway they can get them. "I am not going to Acknowledge this Victory as Far as I am concerned Brad K did not win this race No way No How" He won, get over it. Congrats to Brad on winning, reguardless of what some arm chair quauterbacks say. HE WON HE WON HE WON!11!!!!!111!!!!!1!1! Junior comes close once again (and now people are starting to say he isn't deserving.) A good race with alot of action around the track. Not the greatest race at Kansas but a good one. 14. Rusty posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad deserves to have this win acknowledged, fuel stategy is a part of racing. But I don't think he should be in the Chase over this win. Brad is my 2nd favorite driver too, so it isn't me "hating" on him. I just think this wildcard thing is stupid. We don't need a Chase or wildcard for a good points battle. Drivers who consistently get good finishes deserve to be rewarded, not the ones who get an occasional win with inconsistent results. 15. Eric posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Fuel Mileage is part of racing in different racing series since the start of it despite the fact some race fans don't like the fuel mileage part. The same thing in true in race strategy. Race Strategy has been part of racing since the begining. What happened today in terms of fuel mileage could also happen at Pocono and Michigan. Anyone who discredits Brad's win is biased or really doesn't understand that strategy plays role some races. I didn't see this backlash for Regan Smith's win despite his team won by strategy. 16. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I've gotta eat crow about Kurt Busch and his Richmond tirade. He pushed all the right buttons that night, and the changes have been amazing for Penske Racing. He didn't benefit from them as quickly as Brad did, but today he had them covered all day. And Brad was Top 10 all day again. Considering all of last year and the first part of this year, a good day was a 17th place finish. Beginning at Darlington, they really picked it up. Last week they ran 8th all day and had a horrible break at the end to finish 19th. Today they ran 8th all day and had the race play right into their hands for a win. It's amazing how your luck can even out. Brad's runs at this type of track with Penske have really sucked in the past, so just for them to be in position to take advantage of circumstances shows how far they have come. They need to keep getting better and they can win some more races. Great call by Paul Wolfe and some "clutch" driving by Brad at the end. And his victory lane interview was great. He thanked everyone for sticking by him throughout his disappointing runs. Nice to see some genuine humility from somebody. 17. Anonymous posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Not sure why you would want to not acknowledge this win, I think he earned it and Paul Wolfe made a great strategy call." I'm not very impressed when a driver is able to go on a different strategy because they are running behind, and then through luck of the draw have everything fall into place for them to coast to a victory. That is the thing about fuel mileage races, usually you only win them because you are running back in the field, and through the proper circumstances, like lack of cautions, you are able to pit out sequence and slowly take the lead as all the better cars pit. How is this any different than Casey Mears win that so many people on this site love to complain about? And I can't tell you how often people on this site want to discredit restrictor plate wins. You people are the ones that support this kind of thinking. So let's call a spade a spade, this isn't a very impressive win and neither is Keselowski's other one. And until you all change your tune about wins when it isn't your favorite buttbuddy winning them, I'm going to stick to this way of thinking. 18. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "But I'm sure his many fans are pissing themselves right now over this gifted win." Hell yeah we are! Especially after we get a few Miller Lites in us! You shoulda seen me when he crossed the line first. 19. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) A win is a win. But that win can give keslowski a shot at the chase sitting back in the 20th points position (if he can get there) To me something is slightly wrong with that. Kurt finally gets a decent run only to lose the win due to fuel mileage. Other drivers like Gordon, Stewart and hamlin all needed good runs and got them. I'd like to see all the anonymous posts that diss this win to go drive a stock car at the level these guys do. Btw did jr seem exhausted after this race? 20. 00andJoe posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad K gets a fuelish win. No doubt it was a real gas and left his competition fuming. ...and now that the horrible puns are out of my system: congrats Brad! What happened to A.J. there at the end? He was running 15th-21st and all of a sudden plunged to around 30th... 21. Schroeder51 posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All of Jeff Gordon's top 10 finishes this year have been top 5 finishes. 22. rw posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Congrats to Brad! Well deserved and the poster who said, he hasn't won a real race, get some major facts, Iguess your going to say a short trace race isnt a real win either. Junior, however is HUNGRY for a win, LETS GO JUNEBUG!! get a victory and seal the deal. 23. 00andJoe posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sponsors: #71: Children's Tumor Foundation/Special Operations Warrior Foundation #7: Speed Energy/Harris Teeter/Fast Five #66: Victory Junction Gang Camp 24. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "#71: Children's Tumor Foundation/Special Operations Warrior Foundation" Who got to run the "Childress Bumps On Kyle Busch's Head Foundation" car? 25. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "That is the thing about fuel mileage races, usually you only win them because you are running back in the field" Right, because running 8th is the "back of the field". You have got to be kidding me. HAHA. 26. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.2011 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also like to give props to Brian vickers. When he does bring the car home in one piece it's usually a decent finish. 27. Anonymous posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "That is the thing about fuel mileage races, usually you only win them because you are running back in the field" "Right, because running 8th is the "back of the field". You have got to be kidding me. HAHA. " back in the field =/= back of the field Reading comprehension, it's a hoot! 28. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I'm not very impressed when a driver is able to go on a different strategy " You're not very impressed when one crew chief/driver is smarter than all the rest? 29. 00andJoe posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Owners' standings by best finishing car: 1. Roush, 543 2. Gibbs, 523 3. Hendrick, 521 4. Childress, 517 5. Penske, 449 6. Petty, 439 7. Stewart-Haas, 438 8. Earnhardt-Ganassi, 406 9. Red Bull, 399 10. Waltrip, 373 11. JTG-Daughtery, 287 12. Furniture Row, 242 13. Front Row, 242 14. Phoenix, 204 15. Baldwin, 203 16. Germain, 198 17. FAS Lane, 197 18. Wood Brothers, 169 19. Robby Gordon, 164 20. TRG, 156 21. Gunselman, 101 22. Whitney, 62 23. HP, 40 24. NEMCO, 35 25. Wallace, 24 --. Inception, 24 27. Leavine, 14 28. K-Automotive, 9 29. Falk, 6 30. 00andJoe posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Eep, typo in the above. Should be: 12. Furniture Row, 282 31. DaleJrFan19 posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I'm not very impressed when a driver is able to go on a different strategy because they are running behind, and then through luck of the draw have everything fall into place for them to coast to a victory. That is the thing about fuel mileage races, usually you only win them because you are running back in the field, and through the proper circumstances, like lack of cautions, you are able to pit out sequence and slowly take the lead as all the better cars pit. How is this any different than Casey Mears win that so many people on this site love to complain about? And I can't tell you how often people on this site want to discredit restrictor plate wins. You people are the ones that support this kind of thinking. So let's call a spade a spade, this isn't a very impressive win and neither is Keselowski's other one. And until you all change your tune about wins when it isn't your favorite buttbuddy winning them, I'm going to stick to this way of thinking." Translation: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Brad won the race, get over it. 32. PJ1989 posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) To all the "a win is a win" people, I'm guessing you've never once said anything disparaging about a rain-shortened win? Never complained about a driver's restrictor plate wins not meaning as much? How about I go look through some of those old races and double check the names with those posting in here? Maybe I should go check out Michael Waltrip's driver page, Casey Mear's driver page, Joey Logano's driver page? Either every win counts, or every single of one them can be called into question. If you've ever said anything bad about some other win, but you don't think anyone should complain about this one, you are a hypocrite. They are all based on circumstance and strategy. So what do you all say, should I go back to those old race and driver pages, maybe post my findings here? I bet it would very very interesting how some people change their tune. 33. Bronco posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dale Earnhardt Jr picks up his first top 5 at a mile and a half track since the 2008 Coke 600. It was those type of tracks which were home to his worst performances the past two years with Lance NoClue. He has already surpassed his results from his horrible 2009 season and is one top 10 away from matching his 2010 total. Being 3rd in points, one shy of JJ halfway through the regular season shows how much of a difference having a new crew chief and getting to drive quality race cars every week makes. You may as well disregard the last two years of his career, since they were clearly due to having shitty cars to drive, as opposed to a lack of motivation to perform or a lack of ability to drive the newer generation car. Dale Jr picks up his first ever top 5 at Kansas, leaving Indy, Homestead and Sonoma as the only tracks where he hasn't scored a top 5. I was pulling like mad for Brad to run out fuel in the final laps, but even if he didn't win, he had a good race, which makes this win in a different category than complete flukes like Charlotte/Loudon from 2009. However, I feel confident enough in saying he is not going to sneak into the Chase based on the wildcard rule, the same goes for Regan Smith. There are still some good teams that haven't won yet and that may be between 11th and 20th in points. This season has shown me that drivers you wouldn't think of have been able to run up front and in some cases pull off the win. It is amazing to think that Trevor, Regan and Brad already have wins but others like Dale Jr, Tony, Ryan, Kurt are still searching. Karma is a bitch - none of RC's Cup teams had very good runs today. RC should have been sent home for an unwarranted assault on KB yesterday. 34. Larry posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Translation: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Brad won the race, get over it." This is pretty ironic coming from you. I agree with PJ1989, maybe we should go back and pull some comments from you about Michael Waltrip and some of his wins. I bet that will give everyone a great example of someone going, "WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" All of sudden strategy is just strategy, and a win is a win to you. Interesting. Sure, it means retcon-ing about 25% of things you've ever said, but I guess if helps you feel better about your driving winning by having no integrity, more power to you. 35. RaceFanX posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Welcome back old friend! After several years basically away from the sport entirely STP returned to sponsorship of NASCAR with title sponsorship in this race, the Nationwide race the same weekend at Chicagoland and sponsorship of A.J. Allmendinger's #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford in this event. It's supposed to be the start of more active involvment in motorsports by STP. Allmendinger's car ran a look very similar to Richard Petty's original two-tone 1972 STP look as throwback paint job in this race. 36. RaceFanX posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also James Finch's Phoenix Racing team switched back to their original number #51 before this race. The team had been running the #09 since the start of the 2002 season before the sudden change back. 37. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) PJ you won't be finding my name anywhere. . . . . Bronco I think I saw Harvick run in the top 10 for most of the day. . . . What counts as a good run to you? 38. TimmyH posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DaleSrFanForever, circa June 28th, 2009: "Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. That is twice this year that somebody wins with a terrible car due to the rain. Joey got lapped from going so slow and got the lucky dog, and gambled. He has run like crap all year, only to be bailed out by Zippy." Translation: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! And I have one thing to say to you, DSFF: It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Joey won the race, get over it. 39. Anonymous posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And I have one thing to say to you, DSFF: It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Joey won the race, get over it." What's really funny is, I bet you could easily find a dozen other instances of this same sort of thing with DSFF. But everybody already know he's a biased hypocrite, no need to rub it in his face. 40. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "back in the field =/= back of the field Reading comprehension, it's a hoot!" Oh so 8th is considered "Back in the field", it still makes you sound dumb. So I guess running 2nd would also be "Back in the field". Dumbest thing I've ever read on this site. 41. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 6:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I dare people to find some gossip on me. Dare you to. 42. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cooper...... Cooper....... Ah here it says you like NASCAR. Ha ha ha ha 43. Smiff_99 posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Hooooooo boy......I can already see this race hitting 200 posts. Is it hot in here or is it just me? *tugs at collar* 44. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Why do people still think Brad didn't deserve this? They were running TOP 10! It's not their fault that the rest of the teams continue to short pit. It really wasn't a fuel mileage win. Do people really know how far some of the teams can go on fuel. Let me get my calculator out.... 4.6 MPG*18 Gallon fuel cell=83 Total Miles 83 Miles/1.5Mile track=55 Laps, all Brad had to do was save one lap. If the teams didn't short pit they could've ran all the way. Even if Brad backed into a win(the only time I've ever said that was last weeks cicrus de soleil finish) it doesn't matter. Every Hall of Fame driver has wins that they backed into. It just sounds like fans aren't happy with Brad because they don't like him. 45. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I guess all of us should go back into Richard Petty's record book and start deducting the wins he got from strategy. Give me a break. So I guess Richard doesn't have 200 wins anymore. Whooops! 46. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 41. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.11 - 7:00 pm Cooper...... Cooper....... Ah here it says you like NASCAR. Ha ha ha ha I haven't mentioned the name "NASCAR" in this race page at all. Don't know what you're looking at. Please show me. 47. WallaceFan posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad had a Top 10-15 car most of the day. Obviously the win was luck, but who hasnt won a race this way. Its going to take a legitimate win where he runs well all day to consider him a legit contender, but this wasnt nearly as bad as Reutimann in the 600. (Who dominated a race at Chicago, so i tend to not think about the lucky one) What it comes down to is, if your a fan of a driver....fuel mileage is part of racing. If you hate the driver, its a lucky win. I give Brad credit for saving enough fuel and being in position for the win at the end. 48. IglooRacer posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Gossiping about you that's all 49. TeamPlayersBlue posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Can somebody please remind me why Kansas got a second Cup date again? Not sure I can stand yet another cookie cutter oval. 50. Corndog posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well I wish Kurt could have pulled it out, but it's good to see Penske doing so much better. Glad to see Brad win, and glad to see Roger Penske listens. I think a win for Kurt is just around the corner. And yes, wins are wins. Good for the #2 team for outsmarting everyone else. 51. Rusty posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Even if Brad backed into a win(the only time I've ever said that was last weeks cicrus de soleil finish) it doesn't matter. Every Hall of Fame driver has wins that they backed into. It just sounds like fans aren't happy with Brad because they don't like him. " To be fair those guys are Hall of Fame drivers because they won a lot of races the old fashioned way while Brad hasn't yet. But like I said, I think Brad deserved it because they played the finish smarter than everyone else. If he was 25th all day, stayed out under caution and had it rain, I would say he didn't deserve it, but he won this fair and square. Not a real impressive win since he never ran in the top 5 before strategy kicked in, but it is a win none the less. 52. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cooper's interesting fact of the race: --The 22 caution laps in this race is the lowest amount in Kansas Speedway history. You don't have to look this up because I already did. 53. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dinger's car was awesome to see (even though it didn't run worth a shit). I, too, am glad to see STP having a presence in the sport again. When I think of racing sponsors and stickers, the oval STP immediately comes to mind. And it was really cool seeing the throwback '72 scheme. I never got to see that scheme live in person or on live TV. By the time I was born (1984) Richard already had pretty much the scheme he would run for the rest of his driving career with only a few minor alterations. I got to see that tone in person a few times with Richard driving, but didn't really appreciate it because when I was 6, 7, and 8 years old respectively when I saw that. "And I have one thing to say to you, DSFF: It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Joey won the race, get over it." There is a difference between somebody who averaged running 21st for the race after starting 24th (see, I can go back to old races too) and stayed out praying for rain which prematurely halted the race, and somebody who averaged 12th all day (good considering he started 25th and had a long green run to start the race which brought his average down), spending 81.6% of the laps in the Top 15, and racing to the conclusion of the scheduled 267 laps. This wasn't a surprise ending like a rain shortened race. Everyone knew what they were up against. In those rain shortend races, nobody knew when it would end. And for the record, I "got over it" a LONG LONG time ago. I was irritated at the time, but moved on. YOU are the one bringing up stuff from 2 years ago. I appreciate the fact you care so deeply about me that you are willing to go back and find some dirt to dig up, it is quite flattering. But you can't compare those two races. And for anyone that thinks his Dega win was a fluke wasn't paying attention. He drafted perfectly at the end. He hooked up with Carl and shoved him past everyone, then in the trioval coming to the checkers, faked high to get Carl to leave the bottom, then filled the hole down low that Carl left, then held his line and stayed above the yellow line (unlike Regan in the previous Dega race) when Carl cut down to block, which Calr even admitted was his fault. That race wasn't a fluke. It was a hell of a drafting performance. Period. End of story. 54. Smokefan05 posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Hooooooo boy......I can already see this race hitting 200 posts. Is it hot in here or is it just me? *tugs at collar*" The air is turning blue, blue with envy. :-P 55. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "To all the "a win is a win" people, I'm guessing you've never once said anything disparaging about a rain-shortened win? Never complained about a driver's restrictor plate wins not meaning as much?" No, I certainly never have and never will. Joey Logano won the Loudon race fair and square, as did David Reutimann with the Coke 600. Why? Because everybody else in the field could have made the same call. I remember reading a comment made by Marcos Ambrose after Logano's win. He mentioned that they were ahead of the #20 when the final caution came out and so then if they had have stayed on track, they would have won. In both situations, the crew chief made the winning call and won the race and both times, there were 42 other crew chiefs who could have made the exact same call. 56. CarlEdwards99 posted: 06.05.2011 - 7:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) weird that Stewart didn't try to make it on fuel. I believe they said he was 3/4 lap short. Granted he is in a battle to stay in the top 10, but 3/4 lap is very easy to save. Glad he didn't though, rather see Brad win than Stewart. and thank God today was the end for FOX's season. Along with a million other issues, they were lost on the fuel strategy today. One lap they talked as if EVERYBODY was going to try to make it on fuel, next lap they talked as if only Hamlin and jr could make it. 57. potatosalad48 posted: 06.05.2011 - 8:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad's win today both surprised me and disappointed me. I'm happy because he deserved it and his crew chief made the right call, and I'm disappointed because Jr. was so close again. He also played strategy right and if there had been a few more laps he would've run Brad down. On the other hand, how cool was it to see Brad do a burnout with the American flag hanging out the window? 58. RACE34 posted: 06.05.2011 - 8:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The reason Kansas Speedway got a second cup date TeamPlayersBlue is because it can sell out a cup race just because you and other people don't like it doesn't mean it can't have two cup dates! 59. Anaconda posted: 06.05.2011 - 8:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And thank God today was the end for FOX's season. Along with a million other issues, they were lost on the fuel strategy today. One lap they talked as if EVERYBODY was going to try to make it on fuel, next lap they talked as if only Hamlin and jr could make it. " It was funny how they acted like Dale Jr. passing Hamlin was going to be the pass for the win. Yes, no one knew for sure that Brad was going to make it but they made Junior's pass on Hamlin a little too dramatic. 60. 18fan posted: 06.05.2011 - 8:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^And it's an ISC track and built a new casino. Carl Edwards has almost a full race lead over Jimmie Johnson in the points, with only Dale Jr. and Kevin Harvick within 1 race. Last year Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, and Kurt Busch were within a full race of Harvick. 61. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 06.05.2011 - 9:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) LOL. Are people angry much over Brad winning? Far as I'm concerned, the racing gods gave him the outcome today that he also deserved at Charlotte and probably would have had if not for Kahne running out of gas in front of him. Brad and the team had 4 straight top 10 starts coming into this race until he qualified 25th, and would have had 3 top 10 finishes in the last 4 races if not for the restart crash in the Coke 600. Another interesting fact is that in both of his Cup wins, Brad's had his former Nationwide car owner Dale Jr finish 2nd to him. 62. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.05.2011 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Actually, I'm not done with Timmy H. Let's examine what I said after the Loudon '09 race that supposedly makes me a "biased hypocrite". "Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. That is twice this year that somebody wins with a terrible car due to the rain." Brad's car wasn't terrible. "Joey got lapped from going so slow and got the lucky dog, and gambled." Brad never got lapped (excluding pit sequences) and never came close to being lapped, and certainly didn't need the lucky dog today. But they did gamble. "What's really funny is, I bet you could easily find a dozen other instances of this same sort of thing with DSFF." Then do it smart guy. So much for hypocrisy. Better luck next time trolls. 63. irony posted: 06.05.2011 - 10:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I saw empty seats today and at every race at every track in recent years. Not crazy about Kansas getting a 2nd date, but it's not that bad of a track. It's better than its sister tracks in Chicago and Vegas ... Kentucky may be better but it's tough to call because it's either great or boring where as Kansas is consistently in between. 64. Corndog posted: 06.05.2011 - 10:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad was a top ten car anyway, top fifteen at absolute worst. I'm pretty sure nobody would complain if Kurt Busch had been on the same strategy and won. But that's why strategy is part of the race. 65. CFob posted: 06.05.2011 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad was in the top ten most of the day, and put himself in position to get a win. I could care less about all the haters, let them hate. My favorite driver won today and I'm ecstatic. People can bitch and moan about how it doesn't count, but the fact remains, in the history books, Brad won today at Kansas Speedway. Let the haters hate, BK has the trophy. 66. Bronco posted: 06.05.2011 - 10:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Bronco I think I saw Harvick run in the top 10 for most of the day. . . . What counts as a good run to you?" I had forgotten about Harvick, but apparently the fuel mileage game bit him enough to cost him a top 10 finish. I was glad to see all of RC's other cars finish off the lead lap although I have nothing against those drivers. It is an absolute joke that they allowed RC to stay at the speedway for "leadership purposes" rather than sending him home. When a crew chief is penalized, they are banned from being at the track rather than just pit road. I would like to see them impose a six race ban on him so that he thinks twice before swinging at other drivers. 67. RACE34 posted: 06.05.2011 - 11:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I would really like to bring the crying towel for all the people that use the term cookie cutter for tracks if you think like a crew chief you would know all tracks have different personalities so it's just not something worth whining about! 68. TimmyH posted: 06.05.2011 - 11:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "There is a difference between somebody who averaged running 21st for the race after starting 24th (see, I can go back to old races too) and stayed out praying for rain which prematurely halted the race, and somebody who averaged 12th all day (good considering he started 25th and had a long green run to start the race which brought his average down), spending 81.6% of the laps in the Top 15, and racing to the conclusion of the scheduled 267 laps. This wasn't a surprise ending like a rain shortened race. Everyone knew what they were up against. In those rain shortend races, nobody knew when it would end." None of that matters. I repeat: It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. Go cry me a river somewhere else. Joey won the race, get over it. Still works, and you're still a hypocrite. You've bad mouthed rain wins, you've bad mouthed restrictor plate wins, and you've bad mouthed fuel strategy wins. You have now gone back on every one of those ideals, because your driver won. It doesn't matter if he was running better in the race than some of these other guys. It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different. You said that, I'm just repeating it. It's not my fault you don't have any integrity. 69. Cooper posted: 06.05.2011 - 11:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) CFob posted: "My favorite driver won today and I'm ecstatic." And that's what it's all about. I know you've been a fan of Brad's for a long time and both of us can agree that it feels good to be able to enjoy some sort of success. Hopefully there will more days like this one in the future. 70. 00andJoe posted: 06.05.2011 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #63 - Actually, I'd rate Chicago higher than Kansas, I think. But Vegas is just bleh. All of the 1.5-milers are getting better with age, though...although considering where they started from, that's not saying much! 71. JimmieJohnsonsNeatlyTrimmedBeard posted: 06.06.2011 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Umm, I think some people are confusing DaleSrFanForever with DaleJrFan19. TimmyH, Larry, I'm looking at you. I don't think DSFF is the same poster, unless he's using that name as some form of ironic trolling. Although I do agree with some of the points they are making, a win is always a win in my book. I don't think this one means anything more or less than Joey Logano's, or Trevor Bayne's. Rain wins get the worst rap, with restrictor plate wins a close second, unless of course it's a driver you like. But everyone has bias towards the drivers they like. Right now it's true, neither of Keselowski's wins look very impressive, but you really have to wait until he's further in his career to make that judgment. If he only wins 4 races in his career, and two of them were like this, that won't look very good if you're judging his career resume, whereas 4 dominating wins at Darlington or Bristol would look pretty good. But if he wins 15+, then these will just be two that he stole, while I'm sure there will be more than 2 he should win that will get away. But a win is always a win. Joey Logano was racing on the same track as everyone else that day. 72. JimBeam posted: 06.06.2011 - 12:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Either every win counts, or every single of one them can be called into question. If you've ever said anything bad about some other win, but you don't think anyone should complain about this one, you are a hypocrite. They are all based on circumstance and strategy." Actually it's not TimmyH that DaleSrFanForever should be worried about, because he's obviously a troll who can't read, it's this guy. Because I do know I've seen DSFF be pretty tough on some other wins and other drivers before. Whether it actually shows clear hypocrisy, I don't know. But it will definitely show a bias and lack of consistency when matched up with what he's saying about this race. I just don't know that he's ever fully committed to the "a win is a win" camp. However, if he does, that's a whole different story. 73. John Royal posted: 06.06.2011 - 1:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) #53 DSFF Actually that same theme was also used in 1996 when Hamilton drove the #43. 74. DaleJrFan19 posted: 06.06.2011 - 1:56 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ummm, people seem to be mistaking me with someone else, because I see alot of things that are making no sense aimed at my comment. And I can confirm this with that guy who refereed to me as DSFF. You guys F***ing fail. You'd think that you could tell the difference in the way we post -_- 75. CFob posted: 06.06.2011 - 2:00 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And that's what it's all about. I know you've been a fan of Brad's for a long time and both of us can agree that it feels good to be able to enjoy some sort of success. Hopefully there will more days like this one in the future." Exactly! I've been a fan of Brad's since he started out in Street Stocks in Michigan, and I was on my way to call a race at the track Brad started at as I heard about his win on the radio. After everything we've sat through since his move to Penske, it was nice to finally have something to cheer about. It's been tough to be a Brad fan for the last couple seasons, but Penske seems to be moving in a good direction overall. Kurt Busch definitely dominated this race. But in the end, Brad and Paul played the game best today and won. And I couldn't be happier for them. It's a great day to be a Brad fan. 76. irony posted: 06.06.2011 - 2:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) When you do that good a job at saving fuel and keeping the pace you need to, you deserve the win as a driver. 77. joey2448 posted: 06.06.2011 - 4:00 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Call it what you may, but I am rather enjoying these fuel mileage races. They keep me in suspense. You never know who will run out, or if someone can make it all the way.... 78. martin-n-rusty posted: 06.06.2011 - 6:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) While you can question some wins, it's still a win at the end of the day. And I disagree with some. Fuel Milage races are FUN to watch! Not knowing whether sone can or can't make it on a tank of fuel, I would take a fuel milage finish over most other finishes (short of a photo finish) 79. Nick posted: 06.06.2011 - 6:54 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) To post number 5...does anyone remember a certain race at Atlanta where Brad had a top 5 locked up until...well, you all know. 80. DieselDan posted: 06.06.2011 - 8:44 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The objective of a race is to get to the end first. How you do that can vary from race to race. Jody Ridley won his only race by just waiting out all the attrition at Dover. Kyle Petty's first win came when Dale Earnhardt was taken out by Darrell Waltrip at Richmond, causing Darrell to wreck too. If you can make one less stop, then you have an advantage. That first debris caution was to keep Kurt Busch from lapping the field. I'm glad Fox's season is over. I can't stand Darrell Waltrip and his racist mouth. Sad part is he doesn't even know how bad he gets. 81. John Royal posted: 06.06.2011 - 9:32 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) One thing that has always bogged me in NASCAR is that how is it so hard NOT TO finish 400-500-600mile race with enough fuel? This seems happen always in certain races that some people just ran out of gas in closing laps. How damn hard it is to calculate enough fuel, or time a pitstop right? If you know you can race for example 50laps wide open, why refuel 52 laps to go and then run short? I don't understand this idiocracy. Also is it so that Keselowski is the first man this side of earth to find out that using clutch and idling the engine is good way to save fuel? 82. Cooper posted: 06.06.2011 - 10:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) John Royal, look at my post #44. It's pretty easy to calculate a ballpark number. But the new "cool" thing to do is short pitting. Kurt Busch and the leaders all pitted on the same lap that Brad did. They all pitted on lap 155. It's just a couple of drivers short pitted, so most of the teams started to panic and called their driver onto pit road to soon. While short pitting has been around forever, it hasn't been to the point of bringing in your driver 10 laps early. That's what screwed over the leaders. And this has been happening all year long. 83. denny hamlin fan 11 posted: 06.06.2011 - 10:18 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The race on Sunday was Denny Hamlin's 200 Nascar sprint cup series start. He finished in third it was his sixty third career top 5 finish and his 102nd top 10 finish and his second top 5 finish at the Kansas Speedway. 84. Rusty posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:11 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I agree with Cooper, all this short pitting cost Kurt Busch and the other front runners the race. But when you have a car that good you can't really afford to sit out there 10 laps on old tires getting beat a second a lap by the guys you are racing with. In the end, the staying out longer strategy worked but Kurt had too good of a car to gamble with those guys. It sucks his car couldn't pick up fuel because he would've at least finished 3rd or 4th instead of 9th. 85. Smokefan05 posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:50 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "One thing that has always bogged me in NASCAR is that how is it so hard NOT TO finish 400-500-600mile race with enough fuel? This seems happen always in certain races that some people just ran out of gas in closing laps. How damn hard it is to calculate enough fuel, or time a pitstop right?" The one thing that really bothers me is that fact that Dale Jr. pitted 5 laps later then Brad did but still had to save fuel. Would have Jr. catched Brad? Don't know for sure but he still should have tried. 86. Scott B posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:59 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brad K's win at this race was his first for Penske Racing (his only previous Cup win was with James Finch's team). Brad is in good company, as other winners for Penske in NASCAR include Mark Donahue, Bobby Allison, Rusty Wallace, Ryan Newman, and Kurt Busch. 87. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.06.2011 - 12:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "None of that matters. I repeat: It's called strategy. It occurs in ALL forms of sports, NASCAR is no different." So we are throwing all forms of strategy under the same blanket? We are not going to seperate strategy calls when the end of the race is an unknown, and those when a race runs to its scheduled conclusion with zero threat of rain? You might call me hypocritical, but I say I am able to differentiate between apples and oranges. "None of that matters." Of course not, that would involve looking at each situation on its own and seeing the differences in circumstances. To you, it is all "strategy" so it must all be the same. It isn't. "Still works, and you're still a hypocrite." Or not. "You've bad mouthed rain wins, you've bad mouthed restrictor plate wins, and you've bad mouthed fuel strategy wins." Rain wins? Yes, when somebody makes a desperate gamble praying the rain comes at just the right time. Plate and fuel strategy wins? No. I do see plate racing as a completely unique form of racing when compared to the rest of the NASCAR races. Even the road courses involve many of the same principles needed to win elsewhere on the Cup circuit. But plate racing is on an island. I recognize that what it takes to be successful there doesn't translate anywhere else. Not really bad mouthing. I may have bad mouthed some of the moves made by people in plate racing, and especially bad mouthed some of the calls NASCAR officials have made in plate racing, but I do that everywhere. "You have now gone back on every one of those ideals, because your driver won." Nope. I hate the way some Cup drivers run just about every NWide race on the schedule. This includes Brad and I have criticized him for this many times. I have specifically called him out, as well as a few others, for ruining that Series (luckily it is beginning to show faint signs of life again). And how many times have I picked on him for his perfomance in last year's race at Sears Point when he hit everything except the pace car, and that's only cause he was never up front, otherwise he would have hit the pace car? "It doesn't matter if he was running better in the race than some of these other guys. It's called strategy." Again, there is a difference. A pretty clear difference. "Go cry me a river somewhere else. Joey won the race, get over it." Again, YOU are the one that brought that up. I quit caring about that race a LONG time ago. Especially considering his struggles since then vindicated my displeasure at that specific time two years ago. I amy have mentioned it when discussing Joey's disappointing career, but the "crying" ended two years ago. "It's not my fault you don't have any integrity." Once again I have proved you wrong. Keep trying. 88. Cooper posted: 06.06.2011 - 12:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Who cares about what happened TWO YEARS AGO. People's opinions can change as time goes by. I'm not going to hold peoples words and opinions so closely because as humans we become smarter and more advanced as time goes by. I'm probably going to say something hypocritical on this website if I haven't already and I'm hoping some people will give me the benefit of the doubt. There will always be "Fuel Mileage/Strategy" wins. Every driver will get lucky at least once in their career, and this just happens to be Brad's. And who cares? This race will be irrelevant next monday. I've already forgotten about last weeks race and everyone will forget about this one. Joey won that race, but no one cares anymore. What people care about is that Joey Logano in his third year in the #20 sits 25th in the standings with a 21.0 Average Finish. That's what is important. 89. Anonymous85 posted: 06.06.2011 - 1:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) At post 13 I have gotten over it already sorry if i acted like a drama king 90. Ryan posted: 06.06.2011 - 2:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) One has to wonder if Kyle Busch will have problems racing people hard now and will getting beat up by great-grandpa be in his head all the time now? I mean Childress made this guy get in a fetal position, lol. I agree a little bit with what JJNTB said about Kyle Busch on last week's truck page (post #74), except of course about Harvick and Childress. With Childress, whether he is right or wrong, or his driver(s) are right or wrong he always has his drivers' back %100 regardless the issue. That's what made him and Dale so tough to beat. It helped they also were great friends and had a great off the track relationship as well. Not only did the Intimidator intimidate on the track they intimidated in the pits and garage as well. Driving for Childress is like, you hate him as another competing driver, but love him if you're on his team. "Call it what you may, but I am rather enjoying these fuel mileage races. They keep me in suspense. You never know who will run out, or if someone can make it all the way...." It does make for good TV, more interesting, and therefore better ratings for Nascar. Even though Johnson has dominated the Chase the last five years there continues to be a lot of parity in the sport. 91. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.06.2011 - 3:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I mean Childress made this guy get in a fetal position, lol." That is pretty embarrassing. But then again Kyle acts like a baby, so it is appropriate. "That's what made him and Dale so tough to beat." I agree that RCR's All for 1 attitude helps them in skirmishes, but what made him and Dale so tough to beat was Dale. 92. 00andJoe posted: 06.06.2011 - 3:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Pocono entry list is out...44 cars. Terry Labonte is in the #32 Sam Hornish in the #38 T.J. Bell in the #50 Riggs in the #81 93. Talon64 posted: 06.06.2011 - 4:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Something that hasn't been brought up yet is that Tony Stewart dropped from about 3rd to 5th after he stayed out so long on older tires on the 2nd last run, while Brad Keselowski did the same and not only seemed to maintain his position but within about 10 laps DROVE HIS WAY up to 7th and was pretty well maintaining his gap to his teammate and race leader Kurt Busch (11-12 seconds). I was paying attention to it to see when Brad would start reeling it back to save fuel, which he did a GREAT job of doing. Brad said that he had a car about as good as Kurt's and would've been up front if he had better track position, and based on how he was running at the end of the race I believe it. Which is the thing I'm the most excited about the race, that he probably had his best performance to date in a Penske car. oh and Keselowski would have 4 top 10's, maybe 3 top 5's, with Penske if Carl Edwards hadn't tried to eviscerate him and thousands of people with his Reapermobile at Atlanta last year. Brad Keselowski's 2nd career Cup win makes him the 120th driver in Cup series history with multiple wins, and now leaves 59 drivers with only 1 career win. It's Roger Penske's 67th career win in Cup (including Jeremy Mayfield's 3 wins in the #12 Penske car technically "owned" by Kranefuss). Keselowski's the 7th driver to win for Penske in Cup (Mark Donohue, Bobby Allison, Rusty Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch). Keselowski now has a 12.3 average finish in 3 Kansas starts with his 1st win there (13th and 23rd his other finishes). Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s winless streak is now at 106 races as he gets his 5th runner-up finish since his last win back at Michigan in June of 2008. Dale Jr. hasn't finished worse than 19th since opening the season with a 24th at Daytona (9.2 average finish in last 12 races). Dale Jr. gets his best finish and 1st top 5 in 11 Kansas starts (5 top 10's, 17.5 average finish). Denny Hamlin made his 200th career Cup starts and got just his 2nd top 5 of the season (5 at this point last season) but his 4th top 10 in the last 5 races to go from 17th to 11th in points in that stretch. It's just his 2nd top 10 in 7 Kansas starts, but both are top 5's and have come in the last 3 races. Jeff Gordon gets his 5th consecutive top 5 finish at Kansas, and 1st top 10 in the last 5 races overall. Gordon got his track-record 8th top 5 and 9th top 10 in 11 starts at Kansas. Gordon's 3 top 5's back of Dale Earnhardt for 4th all time and 8 top 10's back of Darrell Waltrip for 5th. Carl Edwards gets his series-leading 7th top 5 and 10th top 10 of the season; Carl has yet to go back-to-back races without a top 10 in 2011. It's Carl's 4th straight top 10 at Kansas and he's led at least one lap in all of those races (3 top 5's, 6 top 10's, 11.4 avg fin in 8 starts). Matt Kenseth now has 3 top 10's in his last 4 Kansas starts, the only non-top 10 being due to an engine failure (5 top 10's in 11 Kansas starts overall). Jimmie Johnson hasn't finished better than 7th in the last 5 races but gets his 5th consecutive top 10 at Kansas, 8th in 10 starts overall. Tony Stewart gets just his 5th top 10 of the season but 3rd in the last 5 races, and it's his 3rd straight top 10 at Kansas; Tony has 8 top 10's in 11 Kansas starts, but has finished either 1st (twice), 4th (3 times) or 8th (3 times) in all of those. Kurt Busch led the most laps in a race for the 1st time since the Coke 600 in May 2010 (led 252 of 400 laps), leading 152 laps. Kurt won his 13th career pole, 2nd straight for Penske. After just 1 top 5 in the first 9 races of the season, Penske Racing now has 3 in the last 4 races (1 for Kurt, 2 for BraKes). Greg Biffle gets his 4th top 10 in the last 7 races, and has a 10.9 average finish in that stretch to go from 20th to 12th in points over that stretch. It's his 5th consecutive top 10 at Kansas but it ended a 4 race top 3 streak which included 2 wins. Patrick Carpentier made his 1st career Cup start for a team that's locked into the race, finishing 30th. Carpentier is still the last GOGH driver to win a pole (June 2008 at Loudon). 94. JimmieJohnsonsNeatlyTrimmedBeard posted: 06.06.2011 - 6:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Anyone notice how Richard Childress didn't actually apologize for what he did? He just danced around it, and never actually admitted that what he did was wrong. Just like I said on the Truck page, this is the difference between the RCR team and others like Hendrick or Gibbs. They think because the majority of fans "agree" with them, that they have some kind of mandate to do and say whatever they want. Childress committed a crime on Saturday, and he doesn't think it was a mistake. That's the example he wants to set for his fans, and his race teams. So it's no small wonder that Harvick has stayed so smug and entitled over the years. His team owner thinks roughing up someone who can't fight back is completely appropriate behavior. Not only can I never imagine Joe Gibbs ever striking someone, but I can't possibly imagine him not showing any remorse about such a clear cut mistake. He's a better human being than that. Same with Rick Hendrick. And their drivers are better people because of these owners, even if some of them are a work in progress like Kyle Busch. Busch will be a much better person because of Joe Gibbs someday. I truly have lost all respect for Richard Childress. It's becoming more and more obvious that he owes his career to Dale Earnhardt, and not the other way around. These days, RCR is just a bunch of angry bullies. They can't handle themselves on the track, so they have to show who's the "bigger man" after a race. They are full of themselves, and to see one of them win a title this year would be terrible for the sport. But I don't think we need to worry about that, if this is the way they handle their business. 95. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.06.2011 - 6:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "If you know you can race for example 50laps wide open, why refuel 52 laps to go and then run short?" A lot of it seems to be based on the way NASCAR likes to throw a caution whenever possible. The teams are aware of this and so instead of basing their race strategy on the car and the track, they base it on the likelyhood of their being another caution. It's actually something I'm quite dissapointed by. I would absolutely LOVE to see a NASCAR race run caution free. Watching the different strategies play out, cars come and go and seeing who can think on the move the best - that would be so much fun to watch. But it seems NASCAR doesn't believe the fans have a big enough attention span for that. Shame. 96. Scott B posted: 06.06.2011 - 9:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JJTNB, You would not want to see Jeff Burton win a title because he drives for RCR, yet you defend Kyle Busch? Seriously, just stop wathcing racing now. You will NEVER, I repeat NEVER, understand. 97. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.06.2011 - 9:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Richard didn't apologize because he isn't sorry. That is just who he is and the path he has chosen for himself as a car owner after he lost Dale. He is intent on having his organization be like John Madden's Oakland Raiders of the 1970s. Him and Kyle and Harvick have all made decisions about how they will act, and all three must accept the consequences. Not any consequences from NASCAR because they can't police anything. But the consequences that come from the turmoil that all 3 constantly find themselves in. It is preventing them from reaching their true capabilities in the Sprint Cup division, and is a big reason they will go down in history, when this era is looked back on, as footnotes in the Jimmie Johnson era, as squished ants under his feet. In this whole RC and Harvick vs Shrub thing, none of the three are right. They are all wrong in their respective actions. There are no winners among the three, only losers. I'm sure it felt good for Richard to knock Kyle around and see him curl up in the fetal position like a scared child. Kyle is a punk who really thinks he rules the roost, even though he doesn't. I'm sure it felt good for Kyle when he turned Harvick into the wall at Darlington, then knocked his unmanned car into the pit wall. Kevin is another guy that I would love to buy for what he's worth, then sell him for what he thinks he's worth. But you know what feels the best in the racing world? Hoisting that Cup championship trophy. And you know what hurts a racer more than any punch or wreck (in the safety era)? Having to watch the same guy hoist that trophy over and over again. To know that he is truly better than you on the track, and that he got the best of you yet again. Having their pride hurt like that is way worse. And until they realize their schenanigans are severe hinderances to them accomplishing that goal, they will simply continue to get involved in pointless altercations and let JJ get further and further ahead of them. 98. Smokefan05 posted: 06.06.2011 - 9:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "But it seems NASCAR doesn't believe the fans have a big enough attention span for that. Shame." The only "shame" here is the amount of people who think races are boring. I couldn't tell you the amount of people during the 600 that said "this crap is boring." Those people have short attention spans and NASCAR shouldn't give a damn what they say. Those people need 6,000 wrecks, all 43 cars on the lead lap, 10,000 passes during the race and a finish that is decided by 0.000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 of a second. Those "fans" irratate me the most. (other complainers are a close 2nd). I can honestly says a RP race could easily go caution free but the drivers can't stop wrecking. Dale Jr. lead every lap in 2003 at a Daytona N'wide race. Some would say that was "boring", i'd call that "a great big a$$ kicking." Post #94, those of us who have rational thinking and normal thougth processes, DO NOT condone what RC did. But "agree" with that fact that Kyle Busch had what was coming to him...............an old school a$$ beating. I'm going to make a comparsion here: DW and Kyle Busch. Both (in DWs case his prime) are exremely talented, both are darn good racecar drivers and they were both trash talkers. Now the comparsion ends: DW talked trash but backed it up with wins and championships. DW saw the light when he wrecked at Daytona in the 1980s (not sure what year tho) and realized he could do what he was doing forever (being cocky and a trash talker) it toke the fans awhile to warm up to DW but in 1989 it happen in the All-Star race when Russell Wallace spun him. At that moment, DW became the good guy and later that year won MPD (won it again the next year). DW eventyally "got it." Kyle Busch has yet to "get it." It toke DW awhile to understand that being the bad guy isn't what its cracked up to be. Kyle Busch seems to think he can get away with whatever he wants. RC told him "ah, no you can't kid." If what RC did to him doesn't make him "get it" then (i hope it doesn't come to this) it may take a DW type situation to where he will "get it." 99. JimmieJohnsonsNeatlyTrimmedBeard posted: 06.06.2011 - 10:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "You would not want to see Jeff Burton win a title because he drives for RCR, yet you defend Kyle Busch? Seriously, just stop wathcing racing now. You will NEVER, I repeat NEVER, understand." If it meant Richard Childress celebrating a championship, no I don't want to see Jeff Burton win a championship. Jeff Burton's class isn't enough to make up for Richard Childress's boorish behavior. Even though I would be happy for Burton, the sight of seeing Childress celebrating would make me sick to my stomach. But Burton's time is past anyway, and seeing as how he hasn't won a race in 3 years and has yet to record a single top 10 this year, there clearly no danger of that happening, so I wouldn't worry about it. Also, what makes you think I'm defending Kyle Busch? I don't endorse his behavior, I'm just denouncing Richard's. I think driver's should police themselves on the track, or beat each other on the track. That's how you make a point. Not attacking someone in the pits when they aren't looking for a fight. That just makes you look pathetic. Everyone wants to think RCR is getting into Busch's head, but they are the ones losing control of their basic human decency whenever he gets near one of their cars. If they want to be the bigger person, confront Busch and use your words, not your fists. At least that's what Jeff Burton did last year at Charlotte. Throwing a punch is something you do when you aren't smart enough to have a comeback for what he says, or the ability to beat him on the track to put him in his place. If Harvick had just sucked it up after Darlington, and then punted Busch in the next race, I'd hardly make a peep about it. That's "boys have at it". Not assaulting someone in the pits. Not waiting for your time to run to your side so you can beat Busch up 10 on 1. Not putting him in a headlock when he's trying to walk back to his trailer after a race and you know he can't fight back because he's on probation. You'd think Childress would be grown up enough to know better. Doesn't sound like he's any more mature than Busch. So it sounds like you're the one that doesn't understand. 100. Cooper posted: 06.06.2011 - 10:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "The only "shame" here is the amount of people who think races are boring. I couldn't tell you the amount of people during the 600 that said "this crap is boring." Those people have short attention spans and NASCAR shouldn't give a damn what they say. Those people need 6,000 wrecks, all 43 cars on the lead lap, 10,000 passes during the race and a finish that is decided by 0.00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 of a second. Those "fans" irratate me the most. (other complainers are a close 2nd)" Finally something we can agree on. Hell must of froze over. 101. IglooRacer posted: 06.06.2011 - 10:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dalesrfanforever I'm gonna disagree with you on NASCAR not giving any consequences to them. Kyle didn't fight back because he was on probation (previous consequence from darlington) and he knew NASCAR would penalize him more (race suspension, points, etc.) Just my thought on that. I think one of the few things NASCAR has been consistent about is giving the warning first. But your right about johnson, he's so quiet the first 26 races, stays out of confrontation usually and focuses on the true goal. Just a question to anyone out there, anyone know how many drivers actually broke their probation and received further penalties? 102. Anonymous posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Richard didn't apologize because he isn't sorry." Even if you're not sorry, you still apologize for your sponsors sake, and for the sake of the young impressionable fans out there. I doubt every single one of RCR's sponsors like being associated with someone that likes to beat others up and show no remorse about it, and get in the news for negative reasons. 103. Ryan posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I agree that RCR's All for 1 attitude helps them in skirmishes, but what made him and Dale so tough to beat was Dale." I agree most of it was Dale as well, but whenever he had a problem on the track with another driver or team Richard didn't pull any punches when it came to punching he had his driver's back. "Busch will be a much better person because of Joe Gibbs someday." That's a good possibility, but he has been there since 2008 (3+ years) and everyone is still waiting. Busch and Hamlin have even feuded so sometimes it's tough to get control of people no matter who you are. You would think if you could get a hold of 48 NFL players that you could try to reach out to Kyle Busch, but apparently that hasn't happened yet or can't happen. And he is an arrogant punk than there has ever been. I seen on ESPN where they took a most hated driver EVER poll and he took 57 percent of it and Dale, Sr took 16 (those are people that need to just get over it) and Kyle hasn't even been in the league for even a decade yet. "It's becoming more and more obvious that he owes his career to Dale Earnhardt, and not the other way around." "It is preventing them from reaching their true capabilities in the Sprint Cup division, and is a big reason they will go down in history, when this era is looked back on, as footnotes in the Jimmie Johnson era, as squished ants under his feet." I can agree with that to an extent, but Childress has been putting stuff together the last few years. In 2002, 2004-2005, and 2009 RCR wasn't very competive. '09 was horrible til the end of the year and in 2006 I think with the addition of Burton really helped the overall team's morale and gave them a boost of confidence and experience and a sense of self. But last year was a major step in the right direction for them. They scored the most overall points discounting how the Chase' format was run, what else can you ask for? "They are full of themselves, and to see one of them win a title this year would be terrible for the sport." They used to get in fights/skirmishes all the time with Rusty, Elliott, Bodine, Richmond, Allison, Rudd, and Waltrip and they won 6 titles, two 2nds, and one 3rd from 1986-1995 and it wasn't bad for the sport then, so I don't see how it could be terrible now. "And until they realize their schenanigans are severe hinderances to them accomplishing that goal, they will simply continue to get involved in pointless altercations and let JJ get further and further ahead of them." JJ is not ahead of them any more, he has been caught, he was caught last year and he yes he won the title, but both Harvick and Hamlin both had as good of if not better years points wise. Jimmie has won 5 straight by a product of having his better tracks in the Chase, even Chad Knaus and Johnson both have admitted that. And I don't see him winning again this year unless someone slows down those new ford motors in the 99 car. Tony Stewart said it was like taking a knife to a gun fight (of course he is probably being a little honest and a politician at the same time), or someone stops "The Closer" from doing his thing at the end of races. 104. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Smokefan05, I'm 100% behind you on that comment mate. It's ironic in a way, isn't it? That NASCAR tries so hard to maintain a level of "excitement" and Dale Jr coverage through fear of losing fans...but by doing that, they're also losing potential fans that would rather see the opposite. 105. 00andJoe posted: 06.06.2011 - 11:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #95 - There is also the fact that the cars that do short-pit have fresh tires, putting them at an advantage over the rest of the field. It's a classic case of the crew chiefs seeing that and going "OMG must pit NOW or we'll loose too much time!" and forgetting that in the long-term waiting will see the short-pitters run out of gas when they won't. Brad, Jr. and Hamlin's crew chiefs got that this week, and finished one-two-three as a result while the short-pitters fell short one by one... I have to say, I am liking the fact that, starting with Darlington, the crew chiefs do seem to be using their heads more though, as opposed to the "monkey see four tires, monkey take four tires" strategy that has had me tearing my hair out for years. Darlington, Dover, and Kansas, all won through deviant pit strategy, and Charlotte was -lost- on pit strategy. It makes me satisfied, it does. DSFF - I have to agree with you on Kyle and Kevin most likely distracting themselves out of championships (although I suspect Kevin is going to win one before Kyle does, if either of them ever does). But what about Carl? I think he might have something to say about JJ's "You Are Number Six" campaign... 106. RACE34 posted: 06.07.2011 - 1:09 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cooper I agree with you 100% on people whining about races being boring finally someone who thinks good! 107. Anonymous posted: 06.07.2011 - 1:38 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I was never a Brad fan until Sunday. Nothing like seeing anyone beat Jr to the checkers. Go Brad! 108. A-Frame43 posted: 06.07.2011 - 1:39 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Igloo--Tony Stewart comes to immediate mind from around '01-'03. Got into a scrape of some kind, IIRC, and was put on probation. He then got into it with a reporter and only received further probation, raising the ire (but not me) of many. 109. 18fan posted: 06.07.2011 - 2:26 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Harvick was suspended from the 2002 spring Martinsville race after he was put on probation for attacking Greg Biffle at Bristol and then during the Martinsville truck race he said over the radio that he was going to kill Coy Gibbs and then intentionally wrecked Gibbs, warranting a suspension. 110. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.07.2011 - 2:42 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) About the whole probation thing, I think a far more effective punishment would actually be suspended sentences. At least then the drivers really have something to think about before making a potentially dirty move. 111. JimmieJohnsonsNeatlyTrimmedBeard posted: 06.07.2011 - 4:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Not waiting for your time* to run to your side so you can beat Busch up 10 on 1." *should be team. weird typo on my part. My point was, Kevin Harvick waited to "fight" at Darlington until his team was basically at his side. Otherwise, why did he sit in the car so long? Busch wasn't going anywhere. Makes Harvick look pretty cheap, I think. So we have Harvick who doesn't want to fight unless he has a ton of back-up (did the same thing with Logano last year, hid behind a ton of crew members), and Childress who only attacks when a driver is on probation and can't fight back. Man, when you really think about it, those RCR guys are a bunch of dirty-fighting pussies. Except for Jeff Burton. He confronted Busch man to man, and never got violent. That's how you do it with class. And you know what, I bet Busch raced him differently after that. There haven't been any other incidents, or even close calls between the two since. 112. IglooRacer posted: 06.07.2011 - 8:16 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Thanks a-frame and 18fan. I forgot harvick had the probation before the incident with coy Gibbs (where is he now anyway?) that's the perfect example of how this system is supposed to be run, two strikes, no more and no less. As for the Stewart incident I actually don't recall him being on probation before that incident with the reporter. Maybe some news I overlooked and missed. (I was still young at the time) I saw some articles and a few of them were saying NASCAR was sending the wrong message by not suspending RC. To me that's a load of BS. I guarantee RC is hearing it from his sponsors that pay him big bucks to represent their company properly. That itself is huge trouble. 113. Sean posted: 06.07.2011 - 8:27 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Stewart was put on probation for punting Jeff Gordon on pit road after Gordon punted him on the last lap of the 2001 spring Bristol race. Stewart's probation was extended after the Daytona race where he punched the reporter. Lots of people had problems with the idea of extending probation at the time. 114. Smiff_99 posted: 06.07.2011 - 9:12 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) For what it's worth, I wouldn't consider ANY race so far this year to have been 'boring'. With the exception of inconsistent caution calls, I've been pleased overall. It seems as though aero-push is becoming more prevelant again, but it really doesn't bother me, simply because if you think back 5, 10, or even 15 years, it was a problem then, too. And I wholeheartedly agree with 00andJoe on the strategy thing......it's been refreshing to see the variety in pit calls. I have no beef with fuel mileage races. For the last 2 weeks, I've spent the last fuel run in a suspended state up suspense. Who will make it? Who won't? There's nothing boring about that to me. 115. Smiff_99 posted: 06.07.2011 - 9:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) suspended state OF suspense, not up. 116. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.07.2011 - 9:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "If Harvick had just sucked it up after Darlington, and then punted Busch in the next race, I'd hardly make a peep about it." Excellent point. THAT is truly how it used to be. You brushed it off when asked about it, let it die down, then BOOM, into the wall when they aren't expecting it. Kinda like Rusty waiting until Richmond over a year later to punt Gordon for his bump -n- run at Bristol. Or even what Reut did to Kyle in the same race at last year's Kansas race (KyBu on the radio: "Tell NASCAR I have a big problem with what just happened" somebody please find the world's smallest violin and hand it to me). "Dalesrfanforever I'm gonna disagree with you on NASCAR not giving any consequences to them. Kyle didn't fight back because he was on probation (previous consequence from darlington) and he knew NASCAR would penalize him more (race suspension, points, etc.) Just my thought on that." I see where you are coming from, and you could very well be right, but I personally kinda doubt it. I can't see Kyle saying "Hmmm, I'm on probation, better just take my beating" while getting punched. I just see Kyle as a wuss that can't handle a fight. Besides, if RC threw the first punch, I think Kyle could be cleared for self defense reasons (I have personally never bought into the whole "he had no choice, he couldn't hit a 65 year old" stuff, if you are getting hurt, and you have a set, you are gonna fight back to avoid getting hurt IMO). Again, you could be right I could be wrong, but that is just how I see it. "That's a good possibility, but he has been there since 2008 (3+ years) and everyone is still waiting." Excellent point. Even this year's "maturing" was sponsor mandated. M&M's waited to re-sign with JGR a few races into this season to make sure Kyle got their message. Of course after they re-signed, it has been one PR nightmare after another for him. As I mentioned on the Truck page, this is a serious issue for Kyle. He is obviously being closely watched by M&M's, and if they bail and JGR can't find another sponsor willing to take on the PR horro Kyle causes, Kyle will be out of luck based on all the bridges he has burned. "They used to get in fights/skirmishes all the time with Rusty, Elliott, Bodine, Richmond, Allison, Rudd, and Waltrip and they won 6 titles" Not like this. In the infamous "Water BottleGate" at Bristol in '95, if you watch the tapes, it is just Dale and Rusty talking it out, angrily, but talking with a bunch of officials around protecting their two biggest investments at the time. Their crews were nowhere to be seen, just two MEN handling it like MEN do. "Harvick was suspended from the 2002 spring Martinsville race after he was put on probation for attacking Greg Biffle at Bristol and then during the Martinsville truck race he said over the radio that he was going to kill Coy Gibbs and then intentionally wrecked Gibbs, warranting a suspension." You are right, but I still say the tipping point for NASCAR was the way Harvick handled being parked and called to the hauler. Had he been contrite, I don't think they would have suspended him. But he parked his Truck right in front of the hauler and treated the whole situation like a big joke. NASCAR made sure he wasn't laughing the next day. "My point was, Kevin Harvick waited to "fight" at Darlington until his team was basically at his side. Otherwise, why did he sit in the car so long? Busch wasn't going anywhere. Makes Harvick look pretty cheap, I think." I agree. Kevin is all talk. He acts like he is willing to go at it, but if you look at it, he really isn't. He ALWAYS makes sure his helmet and HANS is still on. He had a chance to really take it to Carl Edwards in '08 after Carl approached him, and all that happened from those two "tough guys" was a little school yard shoving match (more on Carl in a second). And at Watkins Glen he could have at least pushed JPM on his ass, but all he did was grab his helmet a few times. JPM is about 5-foot-5 with a gut (when he has his beard stubble, does he remind anyone else of a Latino Tony Stewart?), and Harv did nothing. "Except for Jeff Burton. He confronted Busch man to man, and never got violent. That's how you do it with class. And you know what, I bet Busch raced him differently after that. There haven't been any other incidents, or even close calls between the two since." Thank you for making that point. It kills me to see Burton associated with that group, just like it kills me to see Joe Gibbs have to constantly cover KyBu's ass after his embarrassing incidents. Just like he had to do for Tony for all those years. Joe Gibbs is a good man (although he does deserve some blame in enabling KyBu to an extent) and he doesn't deserve what his drivers have put him through. "I guarantee RC is hearing it from his sponsors that pay him big bucks to represent their company properly. " He beat up Kyle Busch. 95% of NASCAR Nation sees RC as a conquering hero (unrightfully so). You SHOULD be right about that, but I have a feeling his sponsors, especially Budweiser, are actually kinda happy about this. 117. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:05 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "They scored the most overall points discounting how the Chase' format was run, what else can you ask for?" More speed and more front running. Everyone knows how the championship will be decided. I hate it, but that is just how it is. While the 48 was experimenting (they had a full blown R&D setup in race SIX last year), the 29 was building up a meaningless points lead. "JJ is not ahead of them any more, he has been caught, he was caught last year and he yes he won the title, but both Harvick and Hamlin both had as good of if not better years points wise." I should have been more clear. They need to focus on catching JJ from a historical perspective. Unless they start winning championships in bunches soon, they will go down in history as role players in the Jimmie Johnson Show. And again, he beat both Harvick and Hamlin last year even though their cars were better. They had the 48 on the ropes, but they let him off, and he landed the haymaker. "And I don't see him winning again this year unless someone slows down those new ford motors in the 99 car." The 48 is actually a lot closer to the fastest cars right now than he was in 2008 and last year. I've seen this movie many times before. 2008 especially. The way Kyle and Carl ran in the first 26, who would have dreamed ANYBODY had a shot at them? But the 48 got it fixed and won the cha$e fairly easily even with Carl winning 3 of the last 4 races. They'll figure it out. They always do. "But what about Carl? I think he might have something to say about JJ's "You Are Number Six" campaign..." I don't trust Carl in the clutch. And this isn't just the Brad K fan in me talking. He is notoriously streaky. Can he keep this up for another 2/3 of a season? The last two races have seen the 99 team take the lead in the first half of the race, and drive off into the sunset as clearly the best car, only to adjust themselves out in the second half. Plus they are not going to have this advantage forever. It is pretty obvious they have the package right now, so all the other teams are working overtime to catch up. Things will be more even in September. Plus, we can't forget, Carl is still a headcase. Aflac has paid a lot of money to make sure it seems like last year never happened, but he is an unstable person. And one last X-Factor: If Brad K continues his improvement and becomes a week in and week out contender, that will play with Carl's mind. Carl is always one bump from the Blue Deuce away from completely losing it. 118. Cooper posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:54 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I still think Carl Edwards will win the championship. Yet, I'm a little worried because he's only won 1 race all season long. It seems like he should have 2 or 3 wins by now but he's only been able to rack up Top 5's and Top 10's. Which are nice, but you have to win races to win the chase. Simple as that. Like I commented earlier this season, in the chase you'll need 2 Wins, 6 Top 5's, 8 Top 10's 119. Scott B posted: 06.07.2011 - 11:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well, seeing the last few posts, I may be closer to agreement with some of you, but there is much being left out concerning the truck incident. Whether we like it or not, fighting and confrontation is a part of most sports, including racing. No, I don't watch racing to see fights, I have cable and if I inclined to watch fights I could probably find one 24/7, between two guys who actually train for that purpose. That said, every sport where fights occur have signals that it's "go time." In baseball, a brushback pitch can be a "message" and result in the batter charging the mound and a bench clearing brawl, even if it doesn't make contact. On the other hand, a batter can be hit by a pitch and nothing happens because it is interpreted as a simple mistake by a pitcher who didn't control his pitch. Most of the time, players will "read" the intention correctly. During a race, contact between two cars can be the result of one driver sending a "message" to another, or a other times, most times, it's just racing. Contact after the race, now that's another story, and that's what happened at the truck race. It's not "just racing" when you run into someone on the cool down lap, it is the universally recognized signal that you have a beef with someone and want to settle it out back behind the haulers, from short tracks to big time racing. The only difference is that in big time racing, the chances of one driver actually landing a punch on another are slim. The usual result at that level is a lot of pushing and shoving between crew members, and the drivers rarely going one on one. Kyle had a frustrating race this week. He came to a AA level event expecting to dominate as he often does, and did not. He had a truck capable of running near the front, but never actually led a single lap. In the closing laps, a rookie driver raced him hard but clean for position, edging him out of a top 5 finish. That driver was Joey Coulter, who was in a RCR truck. And after the checkers waved, Kyle sent a message by bumping him. The only variation from the usual script is that Kyle ended up with Richard Childress in his face, instead of the other driver... and considering the shenanigans at Darlington, even that is not a shocker. Was Kyle reluctant to fight back because he was on probation? Would he even be punished if he only fought back in self-defense? Why would he even start something he knew he couldn't finish (well, OK because he's Kyle Busch, that's why). So, Childress gets a slap on the wrist from NASCAR, because no one will stay home or not watch the next race on TV if Childress gets fined. Childress doesn't sound very remorseful, because he isn't, and he's not going to play act like he is. Kyle gets off with no punishment, even though he instigated the whole situation by doing the same thing he was already on probation for, namely, running into a competitor's car after the race was over... the only difference being it was not on pit road this time, where bystanders would be in danger. Richard Childress is happy because he got to punch Kyle in the face, and whatever fine or suspension resulted will be worth the satisfaction. Kyle is happy because he's demonstrated what we all knew already, that NASCAR's "probation" is a joke, and he'll be back on that starting grid for the next event like nothing happened. NASCAR is happy, because feuds are good for ratings. As for Joe Gibbs? Well if he was unhappy, he could sit Kyle out of a race, which is what needs to be done. He certainly doesn't have to wait for NASCAR to make that decision, it would be his prerogative as an owner to make that decision at any time. So, let's not paint him as a Saint. The incident in the Truck series happened when Kyle was driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports, so Joe can get off the hook for that one, but at some point Gibbs needs to practice the goody two-shoes message he preaches as a motivational speaker or be recognized as a hypocrite. That's the last I'll say on the subject... promise. 120. RaceFanX posted: 06.07.2011 - 11:28 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The last NASCAR Cup series race to debut on racing-reference.info before the site's early June 2011 revamp. 121. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.07.2011 - 12:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Scott B, I don't think I could possibly agree more. You said it all. 122. Smokefan05 posted: 06.07.2011 - 12:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Finally something we can agree on. Hell must of froze over." I usually agree with what you say anyway, the thing we disagree on is how NASCAR does things. "Smokefan05, I'm 100% behind you on that comment mate. It's ironic in a way, isn't it? That NASCAR tries so hard to maintain a level of "excitement" and Dale Jr coverage through fear of losing fans...but by doing that, they're also losing potential fans that would rather see the opposite." Jr. is relevent again. He has the most loyal (and sometimes annoying) fans around. If he wins a race, NASCAR wins. We all have ADD, i've turned off races because i wanted to do something else but i've always turned the race back on. the thing makes me mad the most is when someone says "that race was boring." I'm thinking "what race where you watching?" 123. Rusty posted: 06.07.2011 - 12:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I also don't buy into the he didn't fight back because he was on probation talk. In the heat of the moment like that, I highly doubt probation was going through Kyle's mind especially considering how pointless it really is. Kyle is just weak, look at the dude, I don't think there is anyone afraid to fight him. Even a little girl. I still believe he drove through Harvick's car at Darlington because he was scared and I believe he didn't fight back against Childress because he is a wuss. He's all bark but no bite. 124. Anonymous posted: 06.07.2011 - 4:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) To me, a fuel mileage win is an EARNED win, but it is not always a DESERVED win. By that, I mean that the driver did not drive a race deserving of much more thab a top-5 or top-10. Brad earned this, fair and square, but we will have to wait to see him fend off a pack of cars at a non-plate track for that win that give the boost he needs to be a star in the Cup (tire gambles allowed, but no wreck-fests). This is just a boost of confidence for Penske Racing pit crews more than a boost for Brad. I think he will someday finish in the top-10 points, but right now I doubt a Cup title is in his future. Interesting note: Dale Jr. actually came back from bringing out a yellow to finish second. my next breakthrough driver would be Ragan or Allmendinger, not this season, but early next season. 125. Talon64 posted: 06.07.2011 - 5:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This is the first time in Cup history that 5 consecutive race winners started 20th or worse. 126. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.07.2011 - 6:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Jr. is relevent again. He has the most loyal (and sometimes annoying) fans around. If he wins a race, NASCAR wins. " The #88 winning races has nothing to do with it. It's the blatant favouritism - lame things like turning up the mix of the crowd cheering when he takes the lead that really leave a sour taste in your mouth. I've got absolutely no doubt that if my driver was leading on the last lap with Jr in second, the broadcast crew would be cheering the #88 to make the pass. And if my driver won with the #88 second, all the talk would be about how it's a shame Jr didn't win. That isn't good for the sport at all. And saying if he wins, NASCAR wins? I think that's pure nonsense. Does NASCAR really want to cater to an audience that cares only about the finishing position of a driver, rather than the quality of the race itself? The Loudon race that Jeff Burton lead flag to flag? If Jr won, it'd probably be the greatest race of all time. But after all this, let me clear something up - I've got no problem with Dale Jr at all. In fact, I almost like him a bit. But I absolutely detest Jr Nation and the way NASCAR handles it all. He's just another driver and should be treated as such. 127. 00andJoe posted: 06.07.2011 - 7:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Woah, the site sure looks different now... Anyway, it's time for an And Now For Something Completely Different moment! Geoff Bodine apparently has signed a five-race deal to run Tommy Baldwin's second car (the #35) in the second half of the season - starting at Daytona. What happened to Steve Park? Or will TBR be running three cars in the Firecracker 400? 128. Smokefan05 posted: 06.07.2011 - 7:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "It's the blatant favouritism" Media favouritism is one thing but NASCAR is another. If NASCAR did "favor" things toward Jr., wouldn't he have a championship already? More wins? 129. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.07.2011 - 7:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The commentators, coverage, etc, etc. Tune into a race a pretend that you have absolutely no knowledge about anything to do with NASCAR, and they'll try and make you believe that Dale Jr is the greatest race car driver ever to have lived. It's what they did with me, and then it all turns into a bit of a joke when you realize that it's not the case at all. 130. IglooRacer posted: 06.07.2011 - 9:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Rusty if Kyle did throw a punch while being headlocked that not only would that certainly violate his probation and he would be giving a suspension but Joe Gibbs would be ticked at him, all his sponsors would be ticked ( and he's got alot of them) i give him the doubt that for this case he thought his confrontation through. He may have a temper but he's not an outright idiot. He knew if he did anymore the consequences would be huge. At least that's what I think he was thinking. Myothercarisan are you talking about how fox or espn supposedly turn up the crowd when jr takes the lead to make them sound loud? I've been to NASCAR races when he has taken the lead and it really is that loud. Correct me if your referring to something else when you said turning up the mix of the crowd cheering. 131. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.07.2011 - 9:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yeah, that. I believe you when you say it's really like that, but is it needed in the broadcast? ...I don't believe so. As a new fan coming in - who already has a driver to follow - it feels quite oppressive. "Dale Jr is the best, you should all be cheering for Dale Jr, long live Dale" is the message it sends across. My old man, who is even more cynical than I, loved the fact that in his debut season, our driver higher in points than The Dale....but why then didn't he get as much TV time? Again, don't get me wrong - I was actually very impressed by his interview after the Coke 600. I do believe that NASCAR wanted him to win that race...but I have a great deal of respect for the man, because that's not the way he wants it to be. 132. IglooRacer posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Myothercarisan it's like watching an NBA, NHL, MLB or NFL games, you hear really loud cheering for the home team (aka fan favorite team) so to me the really loud cheering for jr isn't different from any other sport because he's the fan favourite driver so yea I think it's needed. And no I'm not getting you wrong, jr isn't my favorite driver either. I respect him too, the man practically carries the weight of NASCAR on his shoulders since his dad died. And that's not the way he wanted it to be either. 133. Cooper posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 131. myothercarisanM535i posted: "Yeah, that. I believe you when you say it's really like that, but is it needed in the broadcast? ...I don't believe so. As a new fan coming in - who already has a driver to follow - it feels quite oppressive." FOX/TNT broadcasting their "money" drivers is no different than ESPN showing the Yankees and Red Sox 100 times a year. If you just watched baseball on national television, you'd think it's an 8 team league. Same with NBA/NFL. Do I really need to see the 4-12 Cowboys 10 times a year? C'mon Man. That's why I've been attracted to NASCAR since I was a kid. Every driver is on television at the same time, so I actually get to see and chear for my favorite. Unlike every other mainstream sport. No other sport can you see 43 teams/players playing at the same place at once. It's pretty damn cool. The only time I got upset at the broadcasting was last year. Dale Jr. was running 30th and they kept showing him battling for position with Joe Nemechek. But now that he's showing what he's capable of(I think he's a Top 5 driver in the garage area) I don't mind them showing him on television frequently. 134. 00andJoe posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Yeah, that. I believe you when you say it's really like that, but is it needed in the broadcast? ...I don't believe so. As a new fan coming in - who already has a driver to follow - it feels quite oppressive." I don't think they have a choice over whether it's in the broadcast or not - the crowd really is THAT loud and the microphones pick it up. 135. myothercarisanM535i posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I agree Cooper, this year is a bit of a different story. Years prior though, I found to be quite dissapointing. I guess my issue is the thought process behind it. I don't like how much the networks bend over backwards for the Jr fans, when they're the ones who will switch off whenever he's having a bad race. They should be catering more to the people that enjoy the races for what they are, rather than just where their driver is running. 136. Smokefan05 posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Too me, ESPN is the worst offender of overblowing stuff. I give the media 20% blame as to why NASCAR where it is. They overblow stuff, make stuff up and well at times can be horrible (and people wounder why Tony Stewert hates the media) at their jobs. There are only a few media members that i actually respect, couple of them belong to ESPN. (shocking i know) When it comes to Jr., he is cool with me. He is overrated too me but not overrated like other put him to be (Kyle Busch is more overrated then Jr. is). He isn't his dad and doesn't drive like his dad (which i respect him for), he is his own man. I can honestly say he is Top 10 talent wise in NASCAR when he is performing like he is now. I don't think he'll win a championship before he retires but if he can keep up his current pace, he'll be a favorite when the Chase starts. Jr. to me is one of the most humble guys in the garage area. 137. IglooRacer posted: 06.07.2011 - 10:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Smokefan I blame DW for overrating Kyle busch. Kyle is very talented but he's not the god of NASCAR that DW makes him out to be week after week. 138. 18fan posted: 06.07.2011 - 11:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DSFF, I disagree with you about the 48 running R&D at spring Martinsville last year for the simple reason that they were not super competitive in the fall race, they were at best a 3rd place car and finished 5th without leading a lap. They were the same in the spring there this year and finished 11th after a speeding penalty. I think the 48 has lost some of their stranglehold on Martinsville. Still, I think they are the team to beat for the title until someone outruns them in the first six or seven races of the chase. 139. Anonymous posted: 06.08.2011 - 8:07 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Smokefan05, Don't assume everyone has ADD. I don't have ADD and you shouldn't have made the comment"We all have ADD" as a result. I know you brought up that you have ADD in the past, but it doesn't mean that everyone else has it. I have no problems with watching 500 lap races or change the channel during a race. 140. Scott B posted: 06.08.2011 - 9:41 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) To answer post 127: Steve Park won't run the Firecracker 400, he is still scheduled for one start in the #35, but it gets bumped back to the fall race in New Hampshire... which is OK, since he has a big fan base in New England. Of course, the car will not be in the top-35, so both drivers will have to qualify for their respective events. 141. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.08.2011 - 2:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Geoff Bodine apparently has signed a five-race deal to run Tommy Baldwin's second car (the #35) in the second half of the season" Will one of those races be at Martinsville? I'd love the chance to boo him yet again. Hell, he showed up at the Spring '09 Martinsville race to celebrate the 25th anniversary of HMS' first win with him, and I booed him then. I do think TV turns up the microphones on the crowd when June does something good. I take nothing from his fans, they do stand up and cheer like hell when he takes the lead, but it isn't THAT noticeable. These races are loud. To me it is obvious they turn up the mix for this reason: When something bad happens to Kyle Busch the crowd gets just as loud, if not louder. Watching the Charlotte race, I didn't hear that huge bump up in crowd noise when he spun out either time, or when he pulled it into the garage. I guarantee you the crowd was going apeshit when he did that. "Smokefan I blame DW for overrating Kyle busch. Kyle is very talented but he's not the god of NASCAR that DW makes him out to be week after week." You are right. DW, SPEED and ESPN are the worst offenders. They really act like his minor league victories mean something when they clearly don't. "FOX/TNT broadcasting their "money" drivers is no different than ESPN showing the Yankees and Red Sox 100 times a year. If you just watched baseball on national television, you'd think it's an 8 team league. Same with NBA/NFL. Do I really need to see the 4-12 Cowboys 10 times a year? C'mon Man." This has been a pet peeve of mine for a while. Every Sox/Yanks game gets nationally televised (all 5 agonizing hours) and you can count on the Cowboys being in at least 5 prime time games per year with many shots of Jerry Jones and his creepy, surgically altered, Michael Jackson-esque face as well as whatever Hollywood bimbo Romo is dating. 142. Smokefan05 posted: 06.08.2011 - 2:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Post #139 Didn't mean to generalize. But those who say "races are boring" *either* have ADD or they just aren't a "racefans." Too borrow a line from Bob Jenkins " they are race idiots." :-P 143. 00andJoe posted: 06.08.2011 - 4:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ScottB - Thanks. DSFF - no Martinsville for Geoff; they're Daytona, Charlotte, Talladega, Texas and Homestead. 144. Schwab posted: 06.08.2011 - 4:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Some Race Stats after 13 races: 13.7 leaders per race, most through 13 races in history. 32.4 lead changes per race, most through 13 races in history. 9 different winners in the first 12 races, most since 2003. 10 different Coors Light Pole winners in the first 13 races. Average of 3,807 passes per race, most through 13 races since the inception of Loop Data in 2005. Average of 41 passes for the lead per race (all along the track), second-most through 13 races since the inception of Loop Data in 2005. 30 different drivers have scored at least one top 10. 145. irony posted: 06.08.2011 - 9:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think smokefan may actually be on the NASCAR payroll. Everyone here is a race fan. Races can be boring. NASCAR the officiating body can suck (very often). I have a short attention span and can barely watch a 2 hr movie, but I have no problem watching a 4 hour race (although they can be boring), because I'm a race fan. *climbs off smokefan's soap box* 146. Smokefan05 posted: 06.08.2011 - 9:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^ If i was on the NASCAR payroll, i wouldn't be here. I'd be kicking in the bahamas singing its 5 o'clock somewhere. 147. IglooRacer posted: 06.08.2011 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Post 144 the fact that thirty drivers have finished in the top 10 at least once this season boggles my mind. To me that's almost proof that the racing we have witnessed this year is spectacular. I remember watching Kurt busch, Carl Edwards and ( I think) Jeff Gordon running nose to tail and battling for the lead and I thought to myself hey this is good. No complaints this year for me. The cameras can't follow 43 cars all at once so they miss so much racing and only can bring a small portion of the race to you. 148. Brad24 posted: 06.09.2011 - 4:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Interesting random fact: The top 2 drivers in the Nationwide Series Point Standings (Sorenson and Sadler) have more point totals (488 and 486) than Cup Series Point Leader Carl Edwards with 485. I find that interesting considering the fact that Cup drivers have been running most of the Nationwide races and finishing up front. 149. Talon64 posted: 06.09.2011 - 4:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) well that's because Nationwide has run 1 more race than Cup has, 14 races versus 13. Carl's averaging 37.3 points per race in Cup while Sorenson's averaging 34.9 and Sadler's averaging 34.7 in NNS. Carl's actually on the same pace in both NNS and Cup, the #60 is averaging 37.4 points per race while leading the owners standings. 150. DaleSrFanForever posted: 06.11.2011 - 9:50 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Does anybody else find Kyle's explanation of the last lap contact with Coulter hilariously stupid? He said he was giving him a congratulatory tap. For fifth place? That is about as believable as him claiming he turned Harvick at Darlington because he had a flat tire. And then he said that, had he not lifted in Turn 4, they both would have wrecked. So that tells me two things. First of all, it wasn't a "congratulatory" tap and secondly he REALLY needs to quit dipping down into the lower Series. That is the point of those Series, for drivers like Coulter to learn. Of course they are going to make mistakes. Why is he expecting them to race like Cup veterans? He is so full of it. Why isn't he admitting his mistakes? It is either because he truly believes he is never wrong (a definite possibility), or his sponsors are telling him to make sure he never admits to doing anything bad, which is actually worse for Kyle. If M&M's decides to bail and JGR can't find a replacement (who would want to take over his constant PR nightmares?), his career could be on the skids before he even turns 27. Until he recognizes his numerous faults, works hard on them, and basically does a complete 180 degree turn on and off the track, his unlimited potential will never even be scratched. He hasn't even touched what he is capable of on the race track. He could be doing exactly what Jeff Gordon was doing at the exact same age. Instead he is dominating the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. And it truly is a shame. As much as I don't like Kyle, I would love to see what somebody as talented as him could do with the equipment he has if his head was on right. Unless he fixes himself soon, we will never know. 151. Kit posted: 06.11.2011 - 7:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I agree. Kryle has this little man complex he always carries around with him as emotional baggage. 152. Spen posted: 06.11.2011 - 9:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Welcome back, Kit! Haven't seen you in forever. 153. the_man posted: 06.17.2011 - 10:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) David Ragan on a 13th place photo: ??Sometimes it pays to be lucky. We had a top seven or eight car and I am proud of our UPS team. I can feel a win coming any week. We just got beat by circumstance today. We will work hard and go get them next week.? 154. Daniel posted: 05.21.2012 - 3:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) In using fastest 43: #37 Tony Raines & #50 T.J. Bell Out using fastest 43: #7 Johnny Sauter & #36 Dave Blaney 155. Robert Nelson posted: 07.12.2012 - 8:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) F1 points Carl Edwards 136 Kyle Busch 114 Kevin Harvick 106 156. 18fan posted: 11.22.2012 - 2:32 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) First win for Paul Wolfe as a Cup crew chief and the first win for the now-championship pair of Brad Keselowski and Paul Wolfe. 157. Rich posted: 12.15.2020 - 10:29 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Post a comment:* Your comment may not appear immediately - all comments must be approved by the moderator. Name: Comment: