|| *Comments on the 2013 GEICO 400:* First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page | View All On One Page View the most recent comment | Post a comment <#post> 1. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:37 pm Rate this comment: (14) (56) Logano kicks off the Chase by taking his second pole of the year in a Penske front-row sweep. 2. Loose Lugnuts posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:43 pm Rate this comment: (2) (3) A few fast facts about Cup races at Chicagoland: 1. Only 1 of the 12 races has been won from the pole (Kyle Busch in 2008). 2. Only 4 of the 12 races have been won from a top 10 starting position. 3. Ford has never won a Cup race at Chicagoland. 3. cjs3872 posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:44 pm Rate this comment: (3) (4) You took the words from my mouth (or brain), NicoRosbergFan. It appears that Penske is picking up right where they left off in the last two big track races. Remember that Logano dominated at Michigan and easily had the best car at Atlanta after Clint Bowyer fell out. And let's also not forget that Brad Keselowski also had engine trouble while leading that same race at Atlanta. It appears that some of what Penske has figured out has trickled down to Roush, at least in the Cup Series. In fact, the 1-2-3 in qualifying by Penske and Ganassi seems to make it look like an IndyCar race, though someone forgot to invite Jamie McMurray to that party. I also wonder how Brad Keselowski is going to try to help Logano out in the Chase (hopefully legally). Remember that Keselowski isn't afraid to lob verbal volleys, so if Logano is in contention for the championship, I wouldn't be surprised if Keselowski tries to get Logano's competition off their game, whoever that competition might be. 4. 83andJoe posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (3) (4) I'm going to put my quatloos on Logano to win it all this year. 5. BluesTravelerFan posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (3) (4) Haha. Nascarcasm tweeted about an hour ago "Brian France and Mike Helton should run the NCAA. I'd really look forward to the Final Five each year". 6. The Long Shot posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (4) (5) Quite a start for Logano in the first ever 13-man Chase. I'm crossing my fingers that he wins it all. Also, shout-out to Cole Whitt in 28th driving the Swan Racing #30. 7. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:47 pm Rate this comment: (12) (6) Anyone else find it ironic that the Penske cars both start on the "Front Row"? 8. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:50 pm Rate this comment: (13) (9) NASCAR: Refuse To Let Gordon Lose 9. Anonymous posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:51 pm Rate this comment: (1) (3) "Anyone else find it ironic that the Penske cars both start on the "Front Row"? " I did think of that. 10. TS1420 posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:52 pm Rate this comment: (5) (3) "Anyone else find it ironic that the Penske cars both start on the "Front Row"?" It's a conspiracy!... Let's add 3rd place qualifier Juan Pablo Montoya to the chase in a 14th spot to make up for it! 11. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:53 pm Rate this comment: (6) (28) "NASCAR: Refuse To Let Gordon Lose " Of course! Today put Hendrick out of a hell of a lot of $$$. 12. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:55 pm Rate this comment: (4) (3) Weird turn of events today. Sure, I'm happy Gordon's in the Chase, you all would call me out for lying if I said I didn't want him there and you'd be right; I will say this, this ruling is setting a new precedent and making NASCAR look like the WWE of motor sports yet again by changing rules on they fly, fixing races, putting popular drivers in, etc. Glad they didn't kick Logano out. 13. TS1420 posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:58 pm Rate this comment: (8) (7) You know what would be awesome? Joey Logano beats Jeff Gordon for the championship in a tiebreaker scenario. ....Of course NASCAR would probably retroactively rewrite the rulebook yet again and make the tiebreaker most previous championships or most career wins or something else to benefit Gordon/Hendrick. 14. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.13.2013 - 6:58 pm Rate this comment: (1) (3) "Anyone else find it ironic that the Penske cars both start on the "Front Row"?" lol "Remember that Keselowski isn't afraid to lob verbal volleys, so if Logano is in contention for the championship, I wouldn't be surprised if Keselowski tries to get Logano's competition off their game, whoever that competition might be." No, the best thing Brad can do to help Joey is to keep quiet and race. 15. murb posted: 09.13.2013 - 7:15 pm Rate this comment: (9) (3) You know, I'm no Gordon fan, and I totally get the venting going on has to do with this piss poor season continuing to realm it's ugly head, but my god, this "Hendrick Bought Gordon a Chase Spot" stuff is getting on my nerves. The fact of the matter is that Gordon got screwed by the Bowyer spin. If it wouldn't have been for that, he would have been in. My message is that it could have been WAY worse. They could have taken out Logano (who has proved that he deserves to be in) and replaced him with Gordon. THAT would have been major garbage. But I really don't see why such a huge deal is being made about Gordon being added in as a 13th driver. He was in until he got screwed by Michael Fraudtrip and the Shit Eating Weasels, so in my opinion, he deserves to be in the Chase. Now, has this further established Nascar as WWF (or WCW 2000 as Ben Lowe would say) on wheels? ABSO-F***ING-LUTELY. There had better be some major changes made to the rules and point standings after this season. Whether it's abolishing the Chase completely (yes, please) or making sure that clusters like this never, EVER happen again. Something needs to be done. But as for the ill will towards Gordon and the "Gordon didn't earn it" vibes, I disagree. I like the fact that he was added in, as he got completely screwed by the MWR team orders, just like Newman. If it were up to me, he would have got Bowyer's spot, but I'm fine with him being compensated with a 13th spot. 16. 83andJoe posted: 09.13.2013 - 7:25 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Things I Learned Today: in 1996 Jerry Nadeau drove in the Busch Series for a team owned by Regan Smith's father. 17. 83andJoe posted: 09.13.2013 - 7:26 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) (^ well, technically it was Smith's mother's name on the entry) 18. jabber1990 posted: 09.13.2013 - 7:45 pm Rate this comment: (5) (6) as a total "F you" to NASCAR I hope Truex wins a race in the chase 19. Ched Little posted: 09.13.2013 - 8:07 pm Rate this comment: (4) (1) Grow up people. NASCAR is NASCAR, and it SUCKS really bad in its officiating. We're looking more and more like the last days of CART. 20. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.13.2013 - 8:12 pm Rate this comment: (6) (6) Amen murb about everything you posted EXCEPT.... I do think Hendrick used his influence. Do I think he plain cut a check to NASCAR for this? No. But Rick and the folks in Daytona Beach are really tight. Itis not in their best interest to have Rick mad at them. 21. murb posted: 09.13.2013 - 8:18 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) "I do think Hendrick used his influence." Oh I don't deny that. I'm sure it did come into play. But I just fail to see what the huge deal is about Gordon getting the 13th spot. They're doing the right thing for him just like they did for Newman, the only difference being that they just added an extra spot instead of taking someone out. 22. murb posted: 09.13.2013 - 8:27 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) I guess my overall thought on it is that while the Hendrick influence did probably come into play with Nascar's decision, I'm okay with it this one time because I feel like Gordon should have had the same justice served to him as Newman did. 23. DB1995 posted: 09.13.2013 - 9:02 pm Rate this comment: (4) (2) hard to believe but this is Brad Keselowskis 4th front row qualifying effort 3 poles and this 2nd place wualifying effort. 24. Bro Jackson posted: 09.13.2013 - 9:07 pm Rate this comment: (2) (9) I wonder what Dale Jr. will do to honor his agreement of being the last-ranked Hendrick car every year. Of the 4, in his first 5 seasons at Hendrick he's ranked: 3rd 4th 4th 2nd 4th Probably 4th this year too. 25. Matt G posted: 09.13.2013 - 9:09 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) I'm going to try something here. Racing reference has some really awesome data about the drivers at different tracks, but I wanted to shine a spotlight on it and organize it based on the current Chasers. Let me know if you guys like this or if it's just a waste of a post. If you guys like it, I can do this before each track. Here's the data for Chicago... Wins Kevin Harvick: 2 Kyle Busch: 1 Dale Jr.: 1 Ryan Newman: 1 Jeff Gordon: 1 Matt Kenseth: 0 Jimmie Johnson: 0 Carl Edwards: 0 Greg Biffle: 0 Joey Logano: 0 Clint Bowyer: 0 Kurt Busch: 0 Kasey Kahne: 0 Top 5 Percentage (I'm using percentage instead of a straight out number because different drivers have started a different number of races here and the sample size gets thrown for a loop - Same thing for "Top 10 Percentage" below) Jimmie Johnson 54.5% Kevin Harvick 50.0% Jeff Gordon 50% Kyle Busch 37.5% Carl Edwards 37.5% Ryan Newman 27.3% Dale Jr. 25% Kasey Kahne 22.2% Matt Kenseth 16.7% Clint Bowyer 14.3% Greg Biffle 10% Joey Logano 0% Kurt Busch 0% Top 10 percentage... Clint Bowyer 85.7% Jimmie Johnson 81.8% Ryan Newman 63.6% Kevin Harvick 58.3% Jeff Gordon 58.3% Kurt Busch 50% Dale Jr. 41.7% Carl Edwards 37.5% Kyle Busch 37.5% Matt Kenseth 33.3% Kasey Kahne 33.3% Joey Logano 25% Greg Biffle 10% Average finish... Jimmie Johnson 9.3 Clint Bowyer 10.1 Kevin Harvick 10.5 Jeff Gordon 12.1 Matt Kenseth 12.8 Kyle Busch 13.4 Dale Jr. 14.2 Ryan Newman 14.9 Joey Logano 15.0 Carl Edwards 16.6 Kurt Busch 18.2 Greg Biffle 18.2 Kasey Kahne 19.0 A few thoughts on these number. 1) Jimmie Johnson is unfortunately money in the bank on this track if nothing happens to him during the race, and since Chicago is usually quiet on that front, it doesn't happen often. He doesn't dominate this place quite like Dover, but they almost never miss the setup and a top ten is almost a guarantee. 2) Nobody really has command on this track as far as the win column is concerned. Harvick is the only Chaser with multiple wins, and those came all the was back in 2001 and 2002. Tony Stewart leads all drivers at this track with three wins, but with Smoke on the shelf, this race is truly unpredictable. 3) Clint Bowyer has had a similar run here as Johnson, except he's only made seven starts here and doesn't turns his top tens into top fives as much. It will be interesting to see if he can keep his top ten percentage up this weekend with everything swirling around him and his team. 4) Greg Biffle has been shockingly terrible here. He has one fourth place back in 2008 and nothing else in the top ten. In addition, he's earned that average finish of 18.2 with only one race where he had to go to the garage. 5) Kasey Kahne has the worst average finish of any of the Chasers at Chicago, but he's been much better as of late finishing in the top six in three of his last four races here. Unlike Biffle, his poor average finish is due to having trouble here on multiple occasions including getting wrecked out of the lead here in 2004. I would say that plays to Kasey's advantage going forward, especially since 1.5 mile tracks are his strong suit, but then again, avoiding trouble has been Kasey's problem for his entire career. 26. Bro Jackson posted: 09.13.2013 - 9:13 pm Rate this comment: (2) (5) That's impressive that Ripple Effect has a 50% top-five percentage. 27. JimmyFennigFanForever posted: 09.13.2013 - 10:00 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) at this point, who can win the championship and it not be met with controversy? because so far my list says: Clint Bowyer Joey Logano Jeff Gordon Carl Edwards by less than 3 points (the amount of bonus points he got for winning Richmond) am I missing anybody? 28. Troll Jackson posted: 09.13.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (4) (13) My prediction of Dale Jr failing to make the chase didn't happen so I'm going with another prediction of him being being the last Hendrick car in points. 29. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 09.13.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (3) (2) Penske power on the front row! The good news for Brad fans is that he hasn't been running badly. He certainly hasn't been up to par with last season and hasn't been great overall, but he did finish 2nd at The Glen, had strategy work out for him at Michigan before his team brought him in and played it conservative since he was still on the Chase bubble, led Atlanta till the engine blew and led the most laps last week. I'm curious to see how last week's debacle will affect Joey, Clint and Truex, as well as all of MWR. 30. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.13.2013 - 10:49 pm Rate this comment: (6) (10) Word is NASCAR is looking into all of Gordon's second place finishes to see how many wins they can retroactively award him. 31. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.13.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (3) (4) "Grow up people. NASCAR is NASCAR, and it SUCKS really bad in its officiating. We're looking more and more like the last days of CART." Yep. Exactly like it. Especially those huge profits in the hundreds of millions of dollars that NASCAR has. Oh wait... 32. The Sound posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:03 pm Rate this comment: (3) (3) Anyone interested in an NR2003 simulation of the Chase? The only limiting factor appears to be the fact that the ratings website does not appear to have updated after the Bristol race. 33. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:09 pm Rate this comment: (5) (8) I'm so tired of all this "Hendrick payed off NASCAR" bull crap. That's all I have to say about that. 34. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:22 pm Rate this comment: (2) (4) What a cluster-bleep of a week. Actually, can we go a step ahead and cancel the remainder of the 2013 Sprint Cup Season and start fresh in January 2014 for Preseason Thunder at Daytona? As a nod to Ben Lowe, of course. 35. David posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (4) (4) "Anyone interested in an NR2003 simulation of the Chase? The only limiting factor appears to be the fact that the ratings website does not appear to have updated after the Bristol race." YES. Do it. 36. David posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:54 pm Rate this comment: (4) (4) Personally, I think that the Gilliland-Logano story may have been a pretense for NASCAR putting Gordon in the Chase. They really were putting him in because of Spingate, but they didn't want to admit they made a bad call on the penalties. Either that, or they issued the MWR penalties to buy time for them to review the evidence some more. But enough of that. I'm ready to get back to RACING!! 37. Bro Jackson posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:54 pm Rate this comment: (2) (7) I'm flattered that I have an impostor. Didn't take long. 38. TS1420 posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:59 pm Rate this comment: (4) (3) "Word is NASCAR is looking into all of Gordon's second place finishes to see how many wins they can retroactively award him." Would that put Gordon over 200 wins? If so, Marty Reid will have to be put on suicide watch since The Kyle Busch Magical Quest to 201 Historic Wins will be dealt a serious blow. 39. David posted: 09.13.2013 - 11:59 pm Rate this comment: (4) (5) Yeah, there's definitely a troll lurking. Ah, well, thumbs-down never killed anyone. "I'm flattered that I have an impostor. Didn't take long." What happened to you changing your name to "Sis Jackson" for a week? 40. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (6) (8) Also, I owned up to being wrong about that prediction MULTIPLE times. If you're gonna pretend to be me, at least be fair about it. Don't be like Brian France. But stats are stats, Team 88 HAS finished last among the Hendrick cars three of the last four years. It's not a shocking prediction to put him 13th of 13 cars in the Chase (assuming Brian France doesn't have another favorite driver besides Gordon), and thus last of four Hendrick cars. Historically, the 88 hasn't fared well in the last 10 races, especially not compared to his teammates. He's beaten Gordon once (in '11, 7th to 8th) and never Johnson (though few have other than '11 and '12). I'm always open to being wrong but I've got a convincing case here to anyone not wearing a worn-out "Rainbow Warrior" t-shirt and a faded "1999 Daytona 500 champion" hat. Somehow using facts to back up an argument is trolling, but whatever. If you don't post something along the lines of "YAY GORDON MADE TEH CHASE WOO 24 WOO I LOVE YOU NASCAR, YOU MADE THE RIGHT CALL AND BOWYER SUCKS!!1!," on here, you'll be thumbs-down city in no time. 41. Sis Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:03 am Rate this comment: (5) (5) Haha, you were right about that David! Thanks for reminding me. Though maybe I should just say "I have the power to change my mind to protect the integrity of Racing-Reference. I have the power to do this, so we're doing it. It's unprecedented." 42. TS1420 posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:07 am Rate this comment: (8) (8) "Yeah, there's definitely a troll lurking. Ah, well, thumbs-down never killed anyone." I like how EVERY SINGLE POST has at least 1 thumb down and a lot being thumbed down an obscene amount of times for no good reason. 43. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:09 am Rate this comment: (14) (19) BREAKING NEWS: Jeff Gordon has been awarded the 1993 Coke 600. NASCAR has instituted a rule effective as of February 1993 that any driver penalized by NASCAR twice or more in a race is ineligible for the win. Therefore Earnhardt, who was penalized for speeding in the pits and rough driving, is disqualified and the second place finisher, Jeff Gordon, is awarded the win. 44. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:11 am Rate this comment: (10) (11) "I like how EVERY SINGLE POST has at least 1 thumb down and a lot being thumbed down an obscene amount of times for no good reason." Yeah, but there are some out there who really take pride in their thumbs-up/thumbs-down counts. Maybe it's resume material. i don't know, but then again I'm one of few on here, as it seems, who doesn't have a knockoff window sticker of a kid in a 24 shirt pissing on a number 3 or number 8. Those things were funny. It seems some in our commentariat may be keeping them alive. 45. The Long Shot posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:13 am Rate this comment: (11) (9) "I like how EVERY SINGLE POST has at least 1 thumb down and a lot being thumbed down an obscene amount of times for no good reason." I wonder whether or not NicoRosbergFan is having his last revenge on this site before leaving for good. 46. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:22 am Rate this comment: (12) (11) It's like everyone starts out with a thumbs-down now. I thought it was just me at first. I know my next prediction, that this post gets at least two thumbs down within 5 minutes, will be right. Give me your worst, Gordon fans/NicoRosbergFan. Mostly NicoRosbergFan. But use a line from "Little Nicky" when you insult me this time, instead of "Billy Madison." 47. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:24 am Rate this comment: (7) (5) There was a silver lining lost in all the events of the week. Stewart-Haas Racing negotiated Mark Martin away from MWR three weeks before this fiasco, therefore, preserving Mark's integrity and image. Stewart's injuries did change the dynamic of Spingate as Martin would have piloted the Aaron's #55 car at Richmond and been enveloped into controversy, albeit in a small way. Events may have played out differently had Martin, not Vickers been in the car with Ty Norris in his ear. 48. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:38 am Rate this comment: (7) (5) Divisive trolling much? Seriously, there is no need for so many thumbs down. 49. TrollSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:45 am Rate this comment: (2) (15) Tomorrow the sun will rise and NA$CAR will award Jeff Gordon the 2004 and 2007 Nextel/Sprint Cup Championships for winning the regular, full season point standings as consolation for MWR shenanigans in the final 7 laps at Richmond based on a historical grievance. Yes, NA$CAR is righting the wrongs of recent NA$CAR history with Jeff Gordon. Screw Dook, Go Heels! 50. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:50 am Rate this comment: (4) (2) "I like how EVERY SINGLE POST has at least 1 thumb down and a lot being thumbed down an obscene amount of times for no good reason." Precisely what I was referring to. 51. Schroeder51 posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:52 am Rate this comment: (8) (7) Troll Jackson? TrollSrFanForever? What's next? The Troll Shot? TrollandJoe83? trollber1990? Trollder51? This is just getting absolutely out of hand. Someone has gone absolutely nuts abusing the thumbs-downs, and it seems we're in for a lot of troll posters as well. 52. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:52 am Rate this comment: (13) (10) Well, David it was a Friday the 13th after all, not surprising the crazies come out to wander. 53. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:59 am Rate this comment: (3) (2) "What's next? The Troll Shot? TrollandJoe83? trollber1990? Trollder51?" Haha, there's not much one can do with "David". 54. TrollS1420 posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:05 am Rate this comment: (2) (15) "Haha, there's not much one can do with "David"." David and Troll-iath ;) 55. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:33 am Rate this comment: (8) (2) Someone needs some serious help... there ARE professionals who can help with these things. Please, do yourself a favor and seek them out. 56. Paul posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:59 am Rate this comment: (3) (1) Regardless of whether or not Rick Hendrick used his influence to get Jeff Gordon in the Chase, I think the right decision was made to add Gordon as the 13th Chase driver based on the silliness that occurred during the final 8 laps at Richmond. I'm glad that NASCAR didn't kick either Bowyer or Logano out in Gordon's place like they did with Truex, and adding another driver to the mix who pretty much got screwed out of a Chase spot at Richmond was probably the best conclusion (short of actually penalizing Bowyer AFTER the points reset). Besides, the announcement of the 13th Chase driver was made on Friday the 13th. I think it would have been a crime had NASCAR not included it's own version of Wile E. Coyote to the Chase foray. ;) 57. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 4:00 am Rate this comment: (2) (3) Interesting fact that Sky Warrior and a couple others will call trolling: If Dale Jr. does finish 13th and last in this Chase, it would mark the 2nd consecutive year that his final points standing result was the same as his finish at the cutoff Richmond race. He was 12th in both that race and the Chase last year. Don't think anyone's ever finished in points where they finished at Richmond since the Chase began until Dale Jr. did it last year. Granted, injuries more than bad races forced him to finish 12th last year. 58. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 4:53 am Rate this comment: (2) (14) "I wonder whether or not NicoRosbergFan is having his last revenge on this site before leaving for good. " Nah, I have a pair, unlike the 9-year old who's doing this. I'm sorry for being so pissy last night; but if you look at last week's page I said something like this thumb abuse was happening, and I got sh!t on pretty well for suggesting it. 59. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 5:09 am Rate this comment: (1) (14) I see I don't have a troll. That's probably because nobody is capable of stooping to such a subhuman level to be NicoRosbergTroll 60. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.14.2013 - 5:39 am Rate this comment: (4) (0) Just saw this gem in the comments section of a NASCAR article..."No more "top 35 in points" qualifying exemption." This person wants to get rid of the Top 35 rule. One problem...that hasn't existed for about an entire year now in the Sprint Cup Series. It hardly ever happens on here, but something that just frustrates me about a lot of NASCAR fans is just how ignorant and uninformed they are about what goes on in NASCAR and, more importantly, why those things go on. But yeah, NASCAR should bring Winston back. That would solve all the problems. Never mind the fact that RJ Reynolds wasn't kicked out, but rather pulled out for financial reasons. Also, let's just ignore the fact that, for all intents and purposes, tobacco advertisements in sports and on TV are against federal law. 61. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:48 am Rate this comment: (5) (1) Screw Dook, Go Heels! Hey, I kinda like my troll. Can I keep him? 62. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 7:03 am Rate this comment: (6) (16) "Hey, I kinda like my troll. Can I keep him? " Yes, DSFF, as long as you feed him and walk him. 63. kup posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:02 am Rate this comment: (1) (3) (= Hah! "Ugly France" said - the sanctioning body wants suggestions from competitors on how to do that - clarifying in a significant way the rules of racing.(NASCAR.com) = EASY! 1st - delete Chase forever and make 2004-2013 seasons back with 36-race points. 2nd - ban Jeff Gordon from 2012 Homestead results, as he ruined 3 other cars in Phoenix and thus faked race and season results. And yep! 2012 Homestead win goes to MWR Toyota #15 Clint Bowyer. All good here. = Jeff Gordon with his "lifetime" status @ Cup = just like Putin in Russia ... 64. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:14 am Rate this comment: (2) (14) "I know my next prediction, that this post gets at least two thumbs down within 5 minutes, will be right. Give me your worst, Gordon fans/NicoRosbergFan. Mostly NicoRosbergFan. But use a line from "Little Nicky" when you insult me this time, instead of "Billy Madison." " I know I am just feeding the troll here, because it's obviously Bro Jackson gets a sick thrill out of pissing people off, but because I made some mistakes on my movie list yesterday, here's one for you: Hey, Sherrriffff! *whistles* *girlfriend flips middle finger at Sheriff* If you are in the F1 Predictor Cup, I will give you an asterisk next to your MIPA (extra advantage in case of tie-breaker) if you know what movie I am referencing. 65. kup posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:24 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Z Lobby behind the Cup $how? Before Richmond-Gate 12 Cha$e drivers were racing theese motors: 5 Chevys = 48, 29, 5, 88, 78 - three HM$ and two RCR+. 4 Toyotas = 20, 18, 15, 56 - two JGR and two MWR. 3 Fords = 99, 16, 22 - two RFR and 1 PRS. After Rich-Gate 13 Cha$e drivers are racing theese motors: 5+2 Chevys = 48, 29, 5, 88, 78, 39, 24 - all_4+1_HM$+, two RCR+, Yep! Lobby ju$t added +2 HMS engines to Z $show. Ea$y money! 4-1 Toyotas = 20, 18, 15 - 2_JGR and 1_MWR. Go bomb Japan for U$A! 3 Fords = 99, 16, 22 - 2_RFR and 1_PRS. Ford is our guy$ so no bomb $elf$! NICE TOTAL$: - before Rich-Gate 5 of 12 Chevy$ -against- 4 Toyotas + 3 Fords - after Rich-Gate 7 of 12 Chevy$ -against- 3 Toyotas + 3 Fords Some weird fact$: Chevy$ won 2005-2011 in a ROW - Z Hugest row in Cup history! And 2012 win was just "pen$ion plan" for Dodge and a gift to Penske for that. GUESS NOW - Who (Motor) gonna win Z 2013 Cha$e and Cup? 66. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:35 am Rate this comment: (1) (15) This doesn't sound like kup... 67. Spen posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:38 am Rate this comment: (4) (1) I came back for this? 68. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) "If you are in the F1 Predictor Cup, I will give you an asterisk next to your MIPA (extra advantage in case of tie-breaker) if you know what movie I am referencing." Not to rush you or anything, but when will you be able to post the F1 predictor standings for after Monza? 69. The Long Shot posted: 09.14.2013 - 9:15 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) @64: Gold Raiders? @65: I didn't understand a single word you just posted. 70. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 9:38 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Well, here's MStall41's take on yesterday's announcement: http://www.frontstretch.com/mstallknecht/43946/ 71. kup posted: 09.14.2013 - 10:21 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) And yet, Kyle Busch -- who owns Nationwide and Truck Series teams in addition to his duties as a driver with Joe Gibbs Racing -- can understand why the temptation was there. Getting into the Chase, he said, brings with it financial bonuses from both a team's sponsor and manufacturer that can add up to an additional $3.5 million for the organization. "That's a huge, huge financial implication for a team, whether it for the remainder of this year or even for building cars into 2014, because as we know, money buys speed," Busch said. "And you do anything you can to get yourself in the Chase. It's not just being a Chase driver or being in the Chase. There are so many other things on the docket as well." 72. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 10:28 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) "I came back for this?" You caught us on a bad day. :) 73. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 10:32 am Rate this comment: (3) (3) NRF, I have no idea the origin of that quote. Totally stumped me. My pick today: One of the Kyles or Harvick /trolling 74. Ched Little posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:04 am Rate this comment: (1) (3) Sweet, each one of NicoRosbergFan's posts has 11 thumbs down even though #62 was a fabulous response to DaleSrFanForever's even better #61. 75. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:05 am Rate this comment: (1) (6) The quote was from Smoky and the Bandit. " @65: I didn't understand a single word you just posted. " Which is why I question whether that was truly kup posting. 76. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:06 am Rate this comment: (2) (7) Wow, those 11 thumbs down came out of nowhere on #62. A few hours ago, there were four thumbs up and no thumbs down. 77. Bro Jackson posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:15 am Rate this comment: (3) (2) Damn. I haven't seen Smokey and the Bandit in YEARS. Someone should've taken a picture of Smokey Yunick and Harry Gant and used that tagline, haha. 78. Red dog 32 posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:32 am Rate this comment: (1) (7) Dale Jr would be flipping burgers at hardees if he didn't have the father he had. He is a coattail rider. He also is Jimmie Johnsons pusher at the plate tracks and has no backbone. He isn't anything like his dad, the old man didn't take any shit off nobody. 79. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:35 am Rate this comment: (2) (2) "Regardless of whether or not Rick Hendrick used his influence to get Jeff Gordon in the Chase, I think the right decision was made to add Gordon as the 13th Chase driver based on the silliness that occurred during the final 8 laps at Richmond. " I don't think this has anything to do with Hendrick honestly, it's more about Jeff's popularity and NASCAR's ability to market the Chase. Had someone like Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, or Kyle Busch been in the same situation, I really do think NASCAR would have done the same thing, but I doubt they would have made the unprecedented move to add a 13th chaser if the driver in that position was someone like Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard, or Jamie McMurray. "1st - delete Chase forever and make 2004-2013 seasons back with 36-race points. 2nd - ban Jeff Gordon from 2012 Homestead results, as he ruined 3 other cars in Phoenix and thus faked race and season results." So what's NASCAR supposed to do, hire a group of trained arm guards to perform siege operations to retrieve all of the trophies that were given out in mistake? #65 is one of the most incoherent posts I've ever read on this website. Is your point that NASCAR wants a car with a Hendrick engine to win? Why would they care about ENGINES? This isn't Formula 1 where the engine manufacturer's name goes alongside the constructor's in the record books. 80. Red dog 32 posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:49 am Rate this comment: (1) (6) My point in all my last post was that I feel Dale jr should have been kicked out of the chase. Or at least all the race winners of the year should be in the chase. Get rid of the extra 2 wildcards and keep it at ten. Then if there were 5 winners put the highest non winning finishers behind them, if there are 15 winners then that would be the whole chase group. 81. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:00 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) David Ragan belongs in the Chase...? 82. Paul posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:24 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) @80: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. may not have any wins this season, but he's been inside the top 8 in points all season (often inside the top five) and is tied for 3rd in top ten finishes with 14 (Only Jimmie and Kyle have more.). Like him or not, he's earned his spot in the Chase. 83. Red dog 32 posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) Yes he won a race. Cup racing has turned into the Gong Show anyways. 84. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.14.2013 - 12:42 pm Rate this comment: (3) (2) Can somebody please check if there is a full moon? 85. Dense Drip posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:08 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I really hate to say this, but I think Allmendinger is much better in the 47 than Labonte. Allmendinger 4 top 20s in 5 starts (including a top at the Glenn) and Labonte has had 4 top 20s in 21 starts with the 47 team. I think Allmendinger will probably be a chase contender next year. 86. Sean posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:13 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) 100% agree with post #15. All of it. Disagree that Hendrick bought a chase spot, but DO agree with this: "I don't think this has anything to do with Hendrick honestly, it's more about Jeff's popularity and NASCAR's ability to market the Chase. Had someone like Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, or Kyle Busch been in the same situation, I really do think NASCAR would have done the same thing, but I doubt they would have made the unprecedented move to add a 13th chaser if the driver in that position was someone like Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard, or Jamie McMurray." Superstar bias, not Hendrick bias. It just so happens that Hendrick and Stewart-Haas have the vast majority of the superstar drivers. "Well, here's MStall41's take on yesterday's announcement" Oh, cool. I didn't realize he's Matt Stallknecht, even though that's pretty obvious. I know we pretty much disagreed about everything here, but it's nice to see another Syracuse native (as well as a regular columnist) on here. I admit I never read Frontstretch as much after Matt McLaughlin retired, but now that I realize I've been debating one of its columnists so much, I'm more inclined to go back and read his other columns. I appreciate that he was largely responsible for adding IndyCar coverage to what was then a NASCAR-only site. For the record, one big thing I DO agree with Matt on is that the whining did grow as the Internet grew, and there were indeed tons of people whining on the NASCAR Usenet group on the early semi-mainstream Internet even in the mid-'90s, which I consider the last of the glory years, but not everybody viewed them that way at the time. And I TOTALLY remember fans whining on the Internet about how bad 1998 and 2000 were. I definitely think those were actually worse seasons racing-wise than any of the chase years, and the aero push was much worse than we've seen from either the COT or the Gen 6. The main differences are that the drivers are no longer as relatable and NASCAR has added competition gimmicks starting in the late '90s and added more and more in recent years. I also agree with Matt that casual fans wouldn't whine on the Internet about much of anything, and that the only people who would take the effort to criticize would be the hardcore fan base, but I would argue that you don't want to alienate the hardcore fan base to please some temporary casual fans who won't maintain interest. Isn't that what the NHL did? 87. DB1995 posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:17 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Busch on pole for the nationwide race, may go on a bike ride today. 88. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:28 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I'll be watching the NWide race cause Johanna is in it. 89. We need more Onion posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Just returned from the WSR + ELMS meeting and it was amazing, I became friends with a WSR driver and already have an invitation to the P1 Motorsports pit for tomorrow's race. Looking forward to watch the truck race and to find a good stream of this. 90. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 1:42 pm Rate this comment: (4) (1) Why didn't Kyle Busch become Kyle Nationwide when the Busch Series' naming rights were acquired by Nationwide? They're pretty much the same entity, you'd think the naming rights would be connected. 91. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.14.2013 - 2:07 pm Rate this comment: (5) (0) New NASCAR rule: Drivers are now required to give a 100% effort and race for the best position they can on the track. It's kind of sad we got to the point where that actually had to be written into the rule book, considering that's sort of the whole point of the sport and sports in general. 92. DB1995 posted: 09.14.2013 - 2:11 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Im gonna pick Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for this race, he was fastest in first practice qualified 5th and was 5th fastest in 2nd practice with the best 10 lap average 93. jabber1990 posted: 09.14.2013 - 2:27 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) today I was trying to learn when the Nationwide race was on and on TBS they were airing Blades of Glory THEN Talladega nights which would end half an hour before the Nationwide race I thought that was funny. i'm 100% certain its coincidence, but its funny as hell 94. Red Baby 32 posted: 09.14.2013 - 2:36 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) Wah! A driver I don't like is in the Chase! Take him out now! Wah Wah Wah!!! The world needs to conform to MY views only! Wah! 95. murb posted: 09.14.2013 - 2:38 pm Rate this comment: (6) (0) Awesome to see people respecting the Webmaster and all the hard work he puts into this site. 96. Sky Warrior posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:00 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) @murb, I was thinking that maybe the comments section should be frozen for a few days 97. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:16 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Wouldn't freezing the comments just be saying the trolls won? 98. murb posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:25 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) "I was thinking that maybe the comments section should be frozen for a few days" That wouldn't be good for those of us who actually want to converse. People just need to realize that this isn't a joke. A lot of work goes into this place. If you want to bicker about nonsense, go to Nascar.com. That type of stuff isn't welcome here. 99. The Long Shot posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All this crap that has happened over the last 24 hours or so just backs my claim up even more that we need to get rid of this ratings system, or at least the thumbs-down part of it. The way I see it, there are a few trolls who are spamming the thumbs-down button, and there are other people trying to combat the trolls by spamming the thumbs-up button. At this point, why even bother having them at all? 100. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:33 pm Rate this comment: (4) (2) Now to talk about something I was gonna talk about last week before the shit hit the fan. In the race, while battling for the lead, Brad and Harvick made contact. Afterwards Gil Martin, Harvick's cc, tweeted he was happy that NASCAR would have a new champ cause the current one is a tool and ended it with hashtag "loser". Well Mr Martin, Brad is in year 4 of his Cup career. Lets compare his progress to The Vulture's in his fourth season. Wins: Brad: 9 Harvick: 4 Cup championships: Brad: 1 Harvick: 0 (still 0) Times beating JJ in points: Brad: 2 Harvick: 0 (only 1 to this day) Suspensions: Brad: 0 Harvick: 1 So Gil, shut up. You have no room to brag about anything over Brad. Yes he is in a winless season, but Harvick was too in year 4 and has a total of three to this day ('04, '08, '09). In year #4, both Brad and Kevin will have their second non Top 12 season. The fact is, since 1995 no team can sustain excellence unless you are owned by Rick Hendrick because of his connections in NASCAR (had Joey been in Jeff's position, do you think they would have made him "Chaser #13"? No way in hell! And he has a win this season!). So the best anyone can do outside of HMS is have a Carl Edwards Memorial Career Arc: Great season, crappy season, good season, repeat. Brad had his crappy season (2010), good season (2011), great season (2012), and now is in a crappy season again. Harvick has had his ups and downs too. The difference is Brad has already been able to pounce and step his game up to win the championship while in a great season, while The Vulture still hasn't in his 13th season. 101. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:33 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "I didn't realize he's Matt Stallknecht" I saw his handle on Twitter once, and it was "MStall41", so I made that inference. "New NASCAR rule: Drivers are now required to give a 100% effort and race for the best position they can on the track." I hope this rule isn't taken out of context to mean that drivers have to run hard every single lap and can't "vulture" their way to victories. Knowing NASCAR fans in general, that's exactly what will happen. 102. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:43 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) "All this crap that has happened over the last 24 hours or so just backs my claim up even more that we need to get rid of this ratings system, or at least the thumbs-down part of it. The way I see it, there are a few trolls who are spamming the thumbs-down button, and there are other people trying to combat the trolls by spamming the thumbs-up button. At this point, why even bother having them at all?" It would solve a lot of problems if the comments and ratings were tied to a registration system. If a troll has such an empty life that they can create new accounts to thumbs down someone, then that's their problem. 103. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:45 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Meanwhile, at the Alabama-Texas A&M game, Nick Saban just called a football field a "100 yard by 53 yard triangle." Really? A triangle? 104. Sky Warrior posted: 09.14.2013 - 3:57 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) A triangle? Haha how stupid, it's clearly a pentagon 105. Red dog 32 posted: 09.14.2013 - 4:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Triangles are rectangles in Alabama? 106. Anonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 4:35 pm Rate this comment: (3) (16) @102 "It would solve a lot of problems if the comments and ratings were tied to a registration system." There's actually a better solution I know of. Close off the comments section until after the race. If you wanna talk about the race as it is happening, use the forum(which BTW has a registration system! OMG *mind blown) (thumbs up if you agree. thumbs down if you're ignorant or dumb) 107. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.14.2013 - 4:47 pm Rate this comment: (5) (1) The forum hasn't had a single post in 7 months... and how in the world is closing the comments off until after the race a solution for this? The mess started on LAST WEEK's race page. But yeah, saying "thumbs down if you're ignorant or dumb" makes you correct! 108. MStall41 posted: 09.14.2013 - 5:15 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Looks like my cover has been blown ;) That was a very emotional column for me yesterday, and its certainly cool to see you guys checked it out. Color me flattered :) I read through these boards a lot, and a lot of what you guys say have an influence on what I write, for better or worse. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated, as well as criticism. I'm always down for a great Motorsports debate. 109. MStall41 posted: 09.14.2013 - 5:18 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Also Sean, I have to say I've always enjoyed my debates on here with you, despite our divergent beliefs on a variety of things. Your Motorsports knowledge is impressive to say the least. 110. Kyle posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:16 pm Rate this comment: (5) (1) NASCARS New rule in effect makes starting and parking illegal. Let's see if they actually enforce it. 111. Troll Shop posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:22 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) Webmaster, you might be intrigued to hear this: College Algebra-5th Edition Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna Chapter 1 Section 1.1 Excersize Set: Problem 8 Problem shows bar graph of the history of how many times Tony Stewart finished in the Top 5 in from 2005-2010 Source: Racing-Reference.info Don't know if you were aware of that, but FREE ADVERTISING NO JUTSU! 112. Sky Warrior posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) "NASCARS New rule in effect makes starting and parking illegal. Let's see if they actually enforce it." I'm pretty sure you're mistaken. Mike Helton was asked during the press conference if start-and-parking was against the new rules and he said no 113. Troll Shop posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:50 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Anyways, just for this weekend alone, I'll try sticking with this name just to beat the trolls out before they troll me. 13 man chase? What the heck did I wake up to? Ugggghhhh. You'd have to be a complete goof to not see that Hendrick and NASCAR's close association set this up. I don't think that they do nearly as much fixing things as some might suggest, but I will say that it happens. Case in point, closing two races of year 2010. 114. Sky Warrior posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:54 pm Rate this comment: (4) (2) "Ugggghhhh. You'd have to be a complete goof to not see that Hendrick and NASCAR's close association set this up." No, NASCAR has made everything right by essentially reverting to a Chase that was setting up to happen before Clint Menard spun. Gordon in the Chase, Truex out of the wild card, and Logano/Newman fighting for the last wild card, with Newman seemingly having it locked up but that's not guaranteed by any means 115. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.14.2013 - 6:56 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) How about "For Whom The Bell Trolls"? 116. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 7:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #35 Working on it tonight. Should post results when available. 117. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.14.2013 - 7:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) MStall41, you work for Frontstretch? I love reading the articles on that site, especially Phil Allaway's "Talking NASCAR TV" column. He holds no punches when talking about Fox and ESPN! 118. MStall41 posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:04 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Yep, been working there since May of 2012. 119. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:05 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) NR2003 Chase 2013, Race One Geico 400 Top 10 1. Clint Bowyer 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Matt Kenseth 4. Joey Logano 5. Carl Edwards 6. Brad Keselowski 7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8. Kasey Kahne 9. Jeff Gordon 10. Kyle Busch Notables 11. Ryan Newman 13. Kurt Busch (Led Most Laps) 19. Danica Patrick (:P) 21. Kevin Harvick 33. Greg Biffle Chase Standings (Including bonus points) 1. Matt Kenseth 2056 2. Jimmie Johnson 2055 3. Kyle Busch 2047 3. Carl Edwards 2046 5. Joey Logano 2044 6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2038 7. Kasey Kahne 2037 8. Jeff Gordon 2035 9. Ryan Newman 2033 9. Kurt Busch 2033 11. Kevin Harvick 2029 12. Greg Biffle 2014 120. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:28 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) NR2003 Chase 2013, Race Two Top 10 1. Jimmie Johnson (popular win, eh?) 2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 3. Carl Edwards 4. Kurt Busch 5. Brad Keselowski 6. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 7. Joey Logano 8. Matt Kenseth 9. Kyle Busch 10. Clint Bowyer Notables 11. Jeff Gordon 15. Kasey Kahne 16. Ryan Newman 24. Kevin Harvick 40. Greg Biffle 42. Danica Patrick Chase Standings 1. Jimmie Johnson 2102 2. Matt Kenseth 2093 (-9) 3. Carl Edwards 2089 (-14) 4. Kyle Busch 2082 (-20) 5. Clint Bowyer 2081 (-21) 5. Joey Logano 2081 (-21) 7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2080 (-22) 8. Kurt Busch 2073 (-29) 9. Jeff Gordon 2068 (-34) 10. Kasey Kahne 2066 (-36) 11. Ryan Newman 2061 (-41) 12. Kevin Harvick 2050 (-52) 13. Greg Biffle 2017 (-85) Correction to Race One: Clint Bowyer tied for 3rd in points with 2047 121. murb posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:36 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) "1. Clint Bowyer" Dammit. lol 122. cjs3872 posted: 09.14.2013 - 8:47 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) He's done it before without winning a race prior to the Chase, murb. Twice, in fact (2007, '10). Clint has always seemed to be a driver that conserves it early in a season, and doesn't show what he has until late in the season. Last year was a perfect example. Would anyone have picked him to be in the top four in last year's final points at this time last year, much less finish second? I know I wouldn't have. And let's not forget that in 2007, Bowyer was the only driver to put any pressure at all on the Hendrick duo of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon before falling back and finishing third, so I think that we'll be seeing more of the #15 car in the Chase, especially after being given a lifeline by NASCAR. However, if the weather reports are right, they might have a hard time getting the race in tomorrow, because there's a 60% chance of rain, though they do have lights at Chicago, so they can wait throughout much of the evening and into he night if they have to. This is the one drawback to any future plan NBC has of using NASCAR as a lead-in to the NFL when they get NASCAR back, because if it rains, the NASCAR race may have to be moved to the NBC Sports Network in mid-stream, as the NFL has priority. (I remember a major controversy a few years ago when ESPN had the Sunday night NFL package and they ran into a situation where they had conflicts between MLB and the NFL on a Sunday night years ago.) 123. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.14.2013 - 9:27 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "However, if the weather reports are right, they might have a hard time getting the race in tomorrow, because there's a 60% chance of rain," So in other words there's a good chance that what happened at Chicago in 2011 could happen again this year. 124. 12345Dude posted: 09.14.2013 - 9:49 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I'm really happy with these new rules NASCAR is trying to pass. And there thinking about changing the bogus "jumping the re-start rules". All the info is in my next post. I can't remember the last time NASCAR made such good decisions. 125. 12345Dude posted: 09.14.2013 - 9:50 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) NASCAR requires its competitors to race at 100 percent of their ability with the goal of achieving their best possible finishing position in an event. "Any competitor who takes action with the intent to artificially alter the finishing positions of the event or encourages, persuades or induces others to artificially alter the finishing position of the event shall be subject to a penalty from NASCAR. "Such penalties may include but are not limited to disqualification and/or loss of finishing points and/or fines and/or loss of points and/or suspension and/or probation to any and all members of the teams, including any beneficiaries of the prohibited actions. "'Artificially altered' shall be defined as actions by any competitor that show or suggest that the competitor did not race at 100 percent of their ability for the purpose of changing finishing positions in the event at NASCAR's sole discretion." Clearly the NASCAR reaction to the Richmond mess is still evolving. Friday's late afternoon decision putting Jeff Gordon back into the chase came after NBC News worked Chicagoland Speedway, talking to Michael Waltrip and fans about the Richmond controversies, for a lead NBC Nightly News story. Helton offered some examples to help define 'artificially alter,' but said it was not all-inclusive, just a working list. "This is 'day one' of this phase of NASCAR and its responsibility to the fans and to the industry of regulating the sport around this topic," Helton said. "This is the acceptable: " -- Contact while racing for position; " -- performance issues; " -- drafting; " -- pitting; " -- tire management; " -- fuel management; " -- yielding to a faster car; " -- alternative pit strategy; " -- long fuel strategy; " -- laying over -- you lay over for one, you lay over for all.'" And what's now clearly 'unacceptable'? Helton, again: " -- Offering a position in exchange for favor or material benefit; " -- offering material benefit in exchange for track position; " -- directing a driver to give up a position to the benefit of another driver; " -- intentionally causing a caution; " -- causing a caution for the benefit of or determinant of another driver; " -- intentionally wrecking a competitor; " -- intentionally pitting, pulling into the garage to gain advantage for another competitor." That's not all. NASCAR says it will more tightly police the team spotters. -- Only one spotter per team on the spotter's stand; -- that spotter can only use two radios, which must be analog, not digital anymore; -- and NASCAR will install a camera up there to monitor the spotters. And, perhaps in light of the Richmond restart controversies, NASCAR will readdress restart rules. However Helton said none of the changes would affect the sport's notorious 'start-and-park' teams. Helton indicated that fan reaction to NASCAR's two no-call rules on apparent restart jumps by Brad Keselowski over Brian Scott in the Nationwide race and by Carl Edwards over Paul Menard in the Cup race had prompted NASCAR to rethink how it handles such restarts. 126. 12345Dude posted: 09.14.2013 - 10:14 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) http://www.mikemulhern.net/DailyBriefing/ ^ List of new rules I'm really happy with these new rules. I agree with all the new stuff. And there even looking into changing the bogus re-start rules. I can't remember the last time NASCAR was making such good decisions. 127. Baker posted: 09.14.2013 - 10:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (5) NASCAR has new rules? Does it even matter? They are just going to make up the rules and punishments as they go according to which teams and drivers break them. NASCAR is a joke and I bag all of you to quit watching NASCAR and start help start a demand for WoO to come back to TV. The fans have got to take back this sport and the only way to get attention is to first stop watching this garbage. 128. 83andJoe posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) The /only/ problem with the thumbs-down button is that trolling it makes it impossible to tell what comments are being genuinely rubbished. >How about "For Whom The Bell Trolls"? That one got a good laugh out of me. >The fans have got to take back this sport and the only way to get attention is to first stop watching this garbage. Yes, let's try and destroy something so we can "take it back", that's a genius plan. 129. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:02 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) NR2003 Chase 2013 Race 3, AAA 400 Top Ten 1. Brad Keselowski 2. Greg Biffle 3. Jamie McMurray 4. Ryan Newman 5. Jeff Gordon 6. Jimmie Johnson 7. Kasey Kahne 8. Paul Menard 9. Joey Logano 10. Matt Kenseth Notables 12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 17. Carl Edwards 18. Danica Patrick 32. Kurt Busch 33. Kyle Busch 34. Kevin Harvick 38. Clint Bowyer Chase Standings 1. Jimmie Johnson 2142 2. Matt Kenseth 2128 (-14) 3. Joey Logano 2116 (-26) 3. Carl Edwards 2116 (-26) 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2112 (-30) 6. Jeff Gordon 2107 (-35) 7. Kasey Kahne 2103 (-39) 8. Ryan Newman 2101 (-41) 9. Kyle Busch 2093 (-49) 10. Clint Bowyer 2088 (-54) 11. Kurt Busch 2086 (-56) 12. Kevin Harvick 2061 (-81) 13. Greg Biffle 2059 (-83) 130. Watto posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:15 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "No, NASCAR has made everything right by essentially reverting to a Chase that was setting up to happen before Clint Menard spun. Gordon in the Chase, Truex out of the wild card, and Logano/Newman fighting for the last wild card, with Newman seemingly having it locked up but that's not guaranteed by any means" The problem with that, though, is that if we put Gordon in and take Truex out by forgetting about the last caution and ensuing restart, then we can't pretend that's definitive but the other half is up in the air. Both were up in the air, neither was guaranteed. If you're gonna throw Truex out, then Logano would've had to been thrown out to be consistent for the same exact reason, as Newman simply had that race won and it was set up for Logano to miss the Chase at that point. 131. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) I like the results of Race 3 the best of those simulated Chase race results. :D 132. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:40 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) NR2003 Chase Race 4, Hollywood Casino 400 (1 caution flag!) Top Ten 1. Kevin Harvick 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Carl Edwards 4. Jeff Gordon 5. Kasey Kahne 6. Kurt Busch 7. Matt Kenseth 8. Marcos Ambrose 9. Ryan Newman 10. Brad Keselowski Notables 11. Clint Bowyer 12. Joey Logano 13. Greg Biffle 18. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 24. Kyle Busch Chase Standings 1. Jimmie Johnson 2185 2. Matt Kenseth 2165 (-20) 3. Carl Edwards 2157 (-28) 4. Joey Logano 2148 (-37) 5. Jeff Gordon 2147 (-38) 6. Kasey Kahne 2142 (-43) 7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2138 (-47) 8. Ryan Newman 2137 (-48) 9. Kurt Busch 2124 (-61) 10. Clint Bowyer 2122 (-63) 11. Kyle Busch 2113 (-72) 12. Kevin Harvick 2109 (-76) 13. Greg Biffle 2090 (-95) 133. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:53 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) NR2003 Chase Race 5, Bank of America 500 Quick recap: With 7 to go, the damaged car of Clint Bowyer blows an engine and dumps oil on the track - right in front of the leaders! Ryan Newman and points leader Jimmie Johnson are collected in the melee. Top 10 1. Kurt Busch 2. Marcos Ambrose 3. Kyle Busch 4. Carl Edwards 5. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 6. Brad Keselowski 7. Jeff Gordon 8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 9. Matt Kenseth 10. Aric Almirola Notables 11. Joey Logano 19. Kasey Kahne 28. Ryan Newman 29. Jimmie Johnson 33. Clint Bowyer 35. Greg Biffle 42. Kevin Harvick Chase Standings 1. Jimmie Johnson 2202 2. Matt Kenseth 2201 (-1) 3. Carl Edwards 2198 (-4) 4. Jeff Gordon 2184 (-18) 5. Joey Logano 2182 (-20) (Missed leading the most laps by 1 to Johnson, 129 to 128) 6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2175 (-27) 7. Kurt Busch 2171 (-31) 8. Kasey Kahne 2167 (-35) 9. Kyle Busch 2155 (-47) 10. Ryan Newman 2153 (-49) 11. Clint Bowyer 2134 (-68) 12. Kevin Harvick 2111 (-91) 13. Greg Biffle 2099 (-103) Going into Talladega, this is anyone's championship (well, except for Biffle/Harvick/Bowyer). 134. The Sound posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:57 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) To be continued tomorrow morning... (Oh, and I'll take screenshots of the complete results when I get a chance, then upload them to Photobucket) 135. David posted: 09.14.2013 - 11:59 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I don't know about you, but this simulation has me excited. And the suspense is killing me!! 136. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 12:09 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Cool to hear about the progress of the chase, The Sound. So Clint Bowyer also determined the outcome of the Charlotte race by losing an engine? 137. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:47 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) These sims are fun, The Sound. Can't wait to see how the rest of them play out. 138. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:13 am Rate this comment: (4) (2) "Cool to hear about the progress of the chase, The Sound. So Clint Bowyer also determined the outcome of the Charlotte race by losing an engine?" Hopefully that doesn't happen in real life. Brian France: I have decided to award Jimmie Johnson 48 points after the events at the Charlotte Race after being wronged by Clint Bowyer pouring oil on the track because I have the authority to do so *takes a whiskey and a vodka drink* Kyle Busch: Hey Brian! What about last year when I got screwed out of a win and subsequently out of the chase by oil on the track at Watkins Glen!?!?! Brian France: ......Shut up Kyle! *takes lager and a cider drink* 139. Matt G posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:27 am Rate this comment: (3) (0) Unfortunately, it looks like rain is going to be a problem for today's race at Chicago. Just what we need, more time to talk about the end of the Richmond race instead of getting the cars on the track. 140. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:12 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) Weatherman's early prediction: have fun making up excuses why y'all can't work on Monday. 141. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:46 am Rate this comment: (4) (0) These sims are fun. Although the one yellow flag at Kansas isn't feasible. It will get strung out and NASCAR will throw at least 3 debris cautions if they don't happen naturally. But I do really enjoy the posts. 142. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:34 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Tomorrow at 1pm looks like a good time for racing... they're not going anywhere today. 143. Anonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Guys... it's safe... y'all come back now, y'hear? Troll boy's gone. 144. kup posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:45 am Rate this comment: (0) (5) fantasygames.nascar.com My 5 team eurekas: Cheap #78 are 2 teams: 48, 99, 78, 2, 32; and 48, 99, 78, 22, 51. Gonna see who are better: 2+32 or 22+51. Both teams have 48+99 as in Chases they are safe, fast, mature. No-78 are 3 teams: 48, 99, 22, 55, 32. Why: 48+99 see above. 22 is cheaper than 24, 2, 78. And 22 allows to add 55. = Why not others? 5 most expensive: 18, 48, 29, 20, 15 - I take 48 and left 4 of 5. Yes, 18 just won Truck+Wide, but 48 safer+cheaper. 3 for 24,5 are: 2, 24, 99 - 24 was poor last 3 years. My order: 99 - 2 - 24. #78 for 24$ is too risky for me, same with #5 low past stats, and #88 too expensive. #16 is no way and no good for Chicago - too low stats. #39 and #14 both SHR - good past, but no Top-10 in prac. = Tony Stewart is Mobil 1 of the best for Chicago ... 145. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:54 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) ^ Anthony, is that you? 146. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:06 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) (Not so) interesting fact: Jimmie Johnson won the first race held at Chicagoland in ANY series, the 2001 Busch race (with Tony "Rambo" Liberati as his crew chief). In fact, it was his ONLY Busch win. In 11 Cup starts at the track, however, he's winless, despite leading laps in all but one. Should we call this the Curse of the Rambo? 147. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 am Rate this comment: (3) (0) By the way, and I don't think this should surprise anyone, but there are still more inspection issues today. But you won't believe who's having problems now. Believe it or not, it was reported on RaceDay that the 43 and 98 cars were having problems getting through the tech line (camber issues). That's right, the 98 car of Michael McDowell, a start-and-park, is even having problems getting through the tech line. When a car like the #98 is having problems getting through inspection, you know there are problems with the inspection process. And the #43 team isn't exactly one of the more aggressive teams either. Maybe NASCAR should take a closer look at it's inspection process, because the inspection process used this year has been a total flop. 148. Spen posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:50 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) NRF: Not me. I work Sunday, but not Monday. 149. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Have you guys read about the new restart rule yet? NASCAR says that the P2 car CAN beat the P1 car to the line now, but still has to remain in their lane. The race restarts in the zone like always, but the P1 car must be first to hit the gas. The P2 car can be black-flagged if NASCAR determines that they started before the leader at the green flag. 150. 83andJoe posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) New restart rules sound like commonsense. 151. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Have you guys read about the new restart rule yet? NASCAR says that the P2 car CAN beat the P1 car to the line now, but still has to remain in their lane. The race restarts in the zone like always, but the P1 car must be first to hit the gas. The P2 car can be black-flagged if NASCAR determines that they started before the leader at the green flag." It's better than what we have now. But I'd rather it be once the green is in the air, IT'S GO TIME FOR ALL. 152. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:19 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I guess Chicagoland wouldn't foot the bill for the Air Titan, so cheap-ass NASCAR decided to ship it away and not use it.... NASCAR - Always progressing... Backwards. 153. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) "I guess Chicagoland wouldn't foot the bill for the Air Titan, so cheap-ass NASCAR decided to ship it away and not use it.... NASCAR - Always progressing... Backwards." They needed all the fuel for NASCAR One. 154. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:31 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) "When a car like the #98 is having problems getting through inspection, you know there are problems with the inspection process." So it's impossible that anything could be illegitimate concerning a start-and-park car? 155. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I guess Mother Nature doesn't want to watch NASCAR today... 156. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) For a race they know they'll be in, NLA? It's one thing if they had to qualify on time to make it, but since only 43 cars showed up, they knew they'd be in. And even if they did something in qualifications and weren't caught, they still would have had the time to undo what thy may have done, if thy did anything, because this is not an impound race, unlike last Saturday's race at Richmond. And even then, that would not answer the fact that the #43 had a hard time, and we all know how conservative that operation is. It's almost as if NASCAR picks and chooses who to make it easy on and who to make it difficult on, and it seems to be as random as the qualifying draw. 157. RaceFanX posted: 09.15.2013 - 1:56 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Why don't they ever run "last year's race" again during rain delays anymore. Gives you a cool chance to see last year's stuff (like Matt in the #17, Tony actually in competition, and such again). 158. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:06 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Courtesy of Jeff Gluck, the reactions to Newman and Bowyer during driver introductions: http://instagram.com/p/eSiqA1NXne/ 159. Ched Little posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:08 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Good news: Johnson sucks in rain-outs 160. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:17 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) "Why don't they ever run "last year's race" again during rain delays anymore. Gives you a cool chance to see last year's stuff (like Matt in the #17, Tony actually in competition, and such again)." I remember NBC used to do that during rain-outs in the early 2000s. It was always cool to see. 161. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:19 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) BSPN is in hog heaven right now-they've got Kyle Busch in the studio. 162. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Looks like there is a big opening in the radar, so maybe they'll be able to get it in today. 163. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Looks like this race may at least get started today. The radar currently looks pretty good. 164. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:32 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Dirt late models on Fox Sports 1 right now 165. Eric posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (3) If the race starts today, I hope Aaron Rodgers gets over 551 passing yards before the race restarts. The fact is Aaron Rodgers threw for 336 yards in the first half. That meant Aaron Rodgers is only 216 passing yards away tying Norm Van Brocklin record of passing yards in a game. The fact is Norm Van Brocklin's Record of yards passed in a gameis almost 62 years old. 166. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:40 pm Rate this comment: (5) (0) Did anyone hear what Jimmie Johnson just said about Bristol and it's relation to the Chase when he was talking about his recent run of poor runs and bad finishes? He said that "we don't have a track like that (Bristol) in the Chase, so I just throw that out the window". If you needed any more evidence of the Chase not resulting in a driver and team having to excel on every type of track, Jimmie just said so himself. That's why I and many others don't like the Chase, because to prove yourself worthy of winning a championship, you have to be able to prove yourself on every type of track, and Jimmie just admitted that his team used Bristol as a "throw-away race". 167. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) I thought about this the LAST time that the Chicagoland chase race got rained out...we all know how that chase turned out so knowing that who will win the champioship this year? who will be the suprise? Kurt Busch? Kyle Busch? Jeff Gordon? even though Jimmie has already won the championship its fun to think about when i'm bored I like to think of analoges/comparasins, yesterday I compared the start of the civil war to how the Spanish-American war and Veitnam started. 168. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "even though Jimmie has already won the championship its fun to think about" 10 races left, bud. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. 169. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jimmie also said that he hates having 13 drivers in the Chase because it "ruins the odds for everyone else". Give me a freaking break. 170. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I was thinking while watching the Min v Chi NFL game...geez NASCAR's going to get delayed. Then it stopped raining, but now it's drizzling? Then I remembered something else important: Chicagoland is HUGE. Soldier Field is near downtown Chicago, Joliet is roughly 40 miles SW and yes, it look like they're clear of rain for a while according to weather radar. Giggidy giggidy let's go racin boys and girl (That's Quagmire Waltrip; Slimey and Darrell's cousin! BTW, I've seen Soldier Field, Grant Park and the Museum Campus area, along w/ downtown Chicago and I recommend it if you've never been. Probably better to go in the late spring or early summer unless you're use to the finnicky weather. Can't speak for the track or Joliet though, haven't been over there yet. 171. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) They're taking the covers off the cars! 172. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Don't know if anyone was watching the Eagles-Chargers game, but Malcolm Floyd of the Chargers took a huge hit and isn't getting up, though he has moved. This appears to be really serious, they need a stretcher to take him off and the players from both teams have gathered on the field around him. Here's to hoping it's nothing too serious and he will be OK. 173. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looking for some good tweaks to the Talladega AI, the game tends to go caution-free for some reason. 174. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 2:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "For a race they know they'll be in, NLA? It's one thing if they had to qualify on time to make it, but since only 43 cars showed up, they knew they'd be in. And even if they did something in qualifications and weren't caught, they still would have had the time to undo what thy may have done, if thy did anything, because this is not an impound race, unlike last Saturday's race at Richmond. And even then, that would not answer the fact that the #43 had a hard time, and we all know how conservative that operation is. It's almost as if NASCAR picks and chooses who to make it easy on and who to make it difficult on, and it seems to be as random as the qualifying draw." They don't appear to have any reason to cheat, but not all violations are intentional. Almirola and the 43 team are pretty good at these type of tracks and they may have pushed the boundaries a little farther than usual for that extra competitive edge, though you are right that they are typically conservative. "If the race starts today, I hope Aaron Rodgers gets over 551 passing yards before the race restarts." I hope he doesn't, but his odds are probably as good as ever. Unfortunately I'm not getting that game so I wouldn't have the opportunity to witness history being made. "Jimmie also said that he hates having 13 drivers in the Chase because it "ruins the odds for everyone else". Give me a freaking break." I think he's just trying to say it sort of cheapens the Chase, which it does a little, but it's pretty watered down to begin with. 175. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) "The fact is Norm Van Brocklin's Record of yards passed in a gameis almost 62 years old. " So that makes Norm undeserving? Even if Rodgers passes him, Norm is more impressive because 1951 featured crap helmets, plays where receivers could get slammed in what would now be pass interference, and you could still "kill the quarterback" after the pass. Hey, while we're at it, let's hate on Johnny Mantz, Ned Jarrett, Wilt Chamberlain, and every other record from before 1995. 176. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:14 pm Rate this comment: (2) (5) "Jimmie also said that he hates having 13 drivers in the Chase because it "ruins the odds for everyone else". Give me a freaking break. " When you consider that Hendrick wouldn't let any other Hendrick car win the title, it's still Jimmie vs 9 other guys. 177. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Hey, while we're at it, let's hate on Johnny Mantz, Ned Jarrett, Wilt Chamberlain, and every other record from before 1995." Lol, is anyone else thinking 'Well, that's what NASCAR wants, right?" *wink wink*. 178. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:18 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Lol, is anyone else thinking 'Well, that's what NASCAR wants, right?" *wink wink*." I'm sure if they really wanted that, they'd make Nationwide and Truck wins wholly equivalent to Cup wins so Kyle Nationwide could have a shot at breaking Petty's win record. As it stands, it's only ESPN that's creating a mythical record for Kyle to have a shot at. 179. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I think he's just trying to say it sort of cheapens the Chase, which it does a little, but it's pretty watered down to begin with." I agree, but I just can't take him seriously because I can't imagine how big of a hissy fit he and Chad would've thrown if they were in Gordon's position. 180. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:19 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Hell of a race being ran by the underdog #37 jet dryer....Hes led the most laps today! 181. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I agree, but I just can't take him seriously because I can't imagine how big of a hissy fit he and Chad would've thrown if they were in Gordon's position." Johnson thought Gordon should have been in the Chase. He hasn't said it directly, but everything he has said indicates he thinks Bowyer and/or Logano should have been thrown out. 182. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I saw that too, NLA. The good news was that he was moving all his extremities. Minnesota had a similar situation with a backup offensive lineman a few weeks ago, but he merely suffered a concussion. 183. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:24 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) "Hell of a race being ran by the underdog #37 jet dryer....Hes led the most laps today! " This is better than the zamboni races! 184. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I doubt we'll see any integrity cautions today. This race will most likely be officiated like the 2012 California race. 185. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:30 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) 183. NicoRosbergFan poste "Hell of a race being ran by the underdog #37 jet dryer....Hes led the most laps today! " This is better than the zamboni races! IDK NRF i live in Minnesota and we do love our Zamboni races here 186. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So, they're apparently going to start the race... albeit in front of some of the sparsest grandstands the Sprint Cup series has seen this century! The stands on the frontstretch appear to be about 30-40% occupied. Is this completely attributable to the weather? 187. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I saw that too, NLA. The good news was that he was moving all his extremities. Minnesota had a similar situation with a backup offensive lineman a few weeks ago, but he merely suffered a concussion." I didn't think it was too bad of a hit at first, and it's probably a concussion like the Vikings lineman (I didn't see that one though). But it's always scary to see a guy laying on the ground unable to get up. 188. John Royal posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #173 The Sound Decrease the drafting distance from the tracks .ini file, it will produce more cautions. I don't remember the right lines, but it is there. BTW, what car pack / ratings are you using? 189. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Going green this time by! Close to 90 minutes late, but we're racing! 190. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) They went green and they've still got the starting lineup at the top of the screen. 191. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Close to 90 minutes late, but we're racing! " still more efficent then Greyhound 192. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JRacingFast, I live in Minnesota as well, and I couldn't care less about zamboni races. 193. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "IDK NRF i live in Minnesota and we do love our Zamboni races here" You too, huh? 194. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Im from SE MN kinda by Rochester Where are you guys from? 195. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Im from SE MN kinda by Rochester Where are you guys from?" Anoka area. 196. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'm about 30 minutes north of Minneapolis. 197. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:50 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Anoka?! Dude, I live in Ham Lake! How weird is this? 198. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Awesome! Im glad to meet some new race fans from MN! Have you guys ever been to Deer Creek Speedway down here? 199. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:51 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) So I take it if there's ever a Racing-Reference-Con, it will be held in Minnesota? 200. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 197. The Long Shot posted: "Anoka?! Dude, I live in Ham Lake! How weird is this? " Dude i have an aunt who lives in Ham Lake! 201. Smiff_2 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Ohhhh BOOOOY, Jimmie's running 1 mph faster per lap than the leader. That can't be good for everyone else :/ 202. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:52 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "So I take it if there's ever a Racing-Reference-Con, it will be held in Minnesota?" Probably. Paul is also from Minnesota, so that's at least one more. 203. Jon posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:52 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) From Minnesota. In the bumf*** nowhere area in the Northwest part by North Dakota.. 204. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Probably. Paul is also from Minnesota, so that's at least one more." Sounds good. I'm only about 19 hours southeast of Minneapolis. 205. Ched Little posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So I decided to look at NASCAR's comment section... eyeball r@pe is all I can say. 206. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Competition caution. 207. Peter posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Truex is gonna race with a mile-wide chip on his shoulder 208. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) I wish that for competition cautions and Faux debris cautions they woudl race back to the line 209. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:57 pm Rate this comment: (3) (2) Kahne's car was so much better than Gordon's there. Didn't matter. Wheelman vs Wheel Holder. 210. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 3:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) I just thought of something.....Shouldnt competition cautions fall under NASCARS own catagory of "actions detramental to the race" I dont wanna sound whiney but it seems like that throwing a planned caution also helps change the outcome of a race 211. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:01 pm Rate this comment: (5) (5) "I just thought of something.....Shouldnt competition cautions fall under NASCARS own catagory of "actions detramental to the race" I dont wanna sound whiney but it seems like that throwing a planned caution also helps change the outcome of a race " Brian France: "You're absolutely right! I call a penalty on myself and fine myself 666 gallons of vermouth, payable to myself." 212. Anonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:02 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Man everyone on here is a certified genius compared to the comments on NASCAR.com 213. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:05 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) It just started pouring at Soldier Field in Chicago. 214. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yeah, the radar doesn't look all that promising anymore. This race could very well be rain-shortened. 215. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:11 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) Man this new generation tire can't get here soon enough, assuming it performs as advertised. These track position races have just worn me out. 216. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:16 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Have I mentioned before that it's tough being a Vikings fan? Well, it is. VERY TOUGH. 217. Peter posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Did the decal on Jeff's hood fly off? 218. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:22 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) How the HELL did the Panthers lose this game? Unbelievable. Is there any QB you want on uour team less than Cam Newton when its time to do something important? 219. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:25 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) 48 team screwed the right rear up, bwa ha ha! 220. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Why do people still think Jimmie Johnson has a great pit crew? 221. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:26 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jimmie Johnson's crew just cost him a lot of track position by not getting all the lug nuts tight. 222. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:27 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "So I take it if there's ever a Racing-Reference-Con, it will be held in Minnesota?" ROFL. Hey, Minneapolis has a big convention center that seems like it sits empty most of the year so why not? We can't hold it January-March because of the outdoor and auto shows...they may have a bridal convention sometime around then too. Or we could book the MN State fair grounds. All of the older Minnies can pine nostalgic about the once daily races the grandstand used to have and they and the gen X-ers and slightly younger can pine nostalgic about how the ASA used to come on Labor Day and the occasional NASCAR star would make a cameo. (Anyone else notice the pic of Dale Sr they have on the outside wall?) There we go: 2014 Racing-Reference.info conference (RR-CON) at the MN State Fair Grandstand. Date TBD. (We Minnesotans know it won't be the 11 Days prior to and including Labor Day or Father's Day Weekend. State Fair and Back to the 50s Car Shows are booked for then.) 223. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wonder how long it'll be before we see a HMS crew swap benefiting the 48. 224. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Kurt Busch sped on pit road and is coming down for a pass-through penalty. 225. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) "Wonder how long it'll be before we see a HMS crew swap benefiting the 48. " Earnhardt's crew is solid... expect a kidnapping... 226. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Why do people still think Jimmie Johnson has a great pit crew?" Since you brought it up, does Chad still get to swap pit crews mid-race or will that be considered part of the "artificial altering" of the race? 227. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *activates sarcasm* Oh great, Jimmie's leading. Kill me now. *deactivates sarcasm* On a side note, does Danica really deserve an on-board camera? 228. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kurt Busch posted for speeding on pit road, that's been an all to common occurrence with him lately. 229. Mr X posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) It was the official who kept Jimmie stopped for 20 seconds, all the lugs were tight, the official made the mistake. 230. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 222. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "So I take it if there's ever a Racing-Reference-Con, it will be held in Minnesota?" ROFL. Hey, Minneapolis has a big convention center that seems like it sits empty most of the year so why not? We can't hold it January-March because of the outdoor and auto shows...they may have a bridal convention sometime around then too. Or we could book the MN State fair grounds. All of the older Minnies can pine nostalgic about the once daily races the grandstand used to have and they and the gen X-ers and slightly younger can pine nostalgic about how the ASA used to come on Labor Day and the occasional NASCAR star would make a cameo. (Anyone else notice the pic of Dale Sr they have on the outside wall?) There we go: 2014 Racing-Reference.info conference (RR-CON) at the MN State Fair Grandstand. Date TBD. (We Minnesotans know it won't be the 11 Days prior to and including Labor Day or Father's Day Weekend. State Fair and Back to the 50s Car Shows are booked for then.) There we go! and at the same maybe we can work something out for Minnesota to either finally renovate the out MN state fair speedway are finally build a track that can host a cup race to! 231. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:30 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Of course Danica deserves an onboard camera. She's the future of the sport, after all! (Obvious sarcasm is obvious.) 232. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:32 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) "It was the official who kept Jimmie stopped for 20 seconds, all the lugs were tight, the official made the mistake." But...but...but...Hendrick...money...NASCAR...rigged...conspiracy. 233. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *reactivates sarcasm* Huh, Schroeder51, I guess you're right! *deactivates sarcasm* Yay! Jimmie lost the lead! 234. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) "It was the official who kept Jimmie stopped for 20 seconds, all the lugs were tight, the official made the mistake." So you mean NASCAR broke their own rules about affecting competition? 235. Red dog 32 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR hates Kurt Busch and Johnny Sauter 236. Peter posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Of course Danica deserves an onboard camera. She's the future of the sport, after all!" If she's the future of the sport NASCAR is already dead 237. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) "So you mean NASCAR broke their own rules about affecting competition?" NASCAR always affects competition, they just don't want any competition when affecting competition. 238. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Why would you think NASCAR hates Kurt Busch? He sped on pit road he and a lot of other people do it all the time 239. Mr X posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:38 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) Chad will likely kidnap that officials wife and children. The ransom will be about 5-10 Sprint Cup points, the winners purse and trophy. 240. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) That radar looks quite ominous... 241. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cole Whitt spins as it begins to pour. 242. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And there's the rain. 243. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yellow out for rain. 244. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) There's the rain.. 245. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If it's going to rain, I hope it rains NOW, not a couple of laps after halfway. And as I type that, it seems the tracks getting quite slippery now, Cole Whitt spins and flattens Montoya's tire. 246. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Dang it, Schroeder51, you beat me to it. Montoya has a flat tire. 247. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Rain, Rain, go away... 248. RaceFanX posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Cole Whitt, making his first Cup start of the year, spins in the rain as the skies immediately open up in turn 4. He didn't hit anything, this is his first race after replacing David Stremme in the Swan #30 Toyota. 249. John Royal posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Seems like this turned into a monday race. 250. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) From one camera angle it looked like Whitt hit Montoya's left rear and I assumed that's what made Montoya's tire go flat, I guess I saw it wrong. 251. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Im glad my 1st period teacher loves NASCAR for if this race takes forever to get in, I do hope they get it in although its not been that great so far. 252. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:46 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) RaceFanX, can I just say you are one of my favorite commenters on here? I mean, you make delightful insight on everything. 253. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Boy, that sudden rain that caught out Cole Whitt was shades of Indy in 1975, because that's how sudden the rain hit then. And why did Andy Petree have to bring up the start of the 2001 All-Star Race and the fiasco there because of the rain, especially with Dale Jarrett in the booth? 254. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #188 Using the Gen6BR mod with ratings based off Masgrafx Cup formula. The ratings run through Richmond. 255. 83andJoe posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:52 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) >I just thought of something.....Shouldnt competition cautions fall under NASCARS own catagory of "actions detramental to the race" I dont wanna sound whiney but it seems like that throwing a planned caution also helps change the outcome of a race It's a safety issue. >Did the decal on Jeff's hood fly off? No, there's a list of 500-something names on the hood. >On a side note, does Danica really deserve an on-board camera? As long as GoDaddy is willing to pay for it, she'll have an onboard every race. 256. 83andJoe posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) According to MRN, the rain stopped after ~5 minutes and track drying is underway. 257. Peter posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:55 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) ....And they have the Montoya-proof jet dryers out 258. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:56 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Well, I guess I'm switching over to the Manning Bowl...Oh and by the way, GO BEARS!!! Great win today! Sorry to all you Minnesotans. 259. BluesTravelerFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 4:58 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I was just reading something interesting on Jeff Gluck's timeline. Apparently on that first restart under the new rules Kyle Busch was credited with a bonus point for leading the lap when he slightly beat Jimmie to the line. Looks like we have another unintended consequence of a new rule. 260. BluesTravelerFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like ESPN just picked up on it(the restart). 261. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:03 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "I was just reading something interesting on Jeff Gluck's timeline. Apparently on that first restart under the new rules Kyle Busch was credited with a bonus point for leading the lap when he slightly beat Jimmie to the line. Looks like we have another unintended consequence of a new rule." That makes sense, technically he did actually lead the lap. That reminds me, I've never figured out how leading during caution flag pit stops work. If the whole field comes in and the leader has a stall before the start-finish line, and the second place driver comes in and has the stall closest to turn 1, who gets credit for leading the lap? I would expect the leader coming in, even though technically the other car was the first across the line for that lap. 262. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:09 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "That reminds me, I've never figured out how leading during caution flag pit stops work. If the whole field comes in and the leader has a stall before the start-finish line, and the second place driver comes in and has the stall closest to turn 1, who gets credit for leading the lap? I would expect the leader coming in, even though technically the other car was the first across the line for that lap. " Whoever crosses the S/F line first, regardless of who leads coming in. 263. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Thanks NRF, I always wondered about that but never paid close enough attention to those situations. 264. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:15 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Yeah that lead car pitting under yellow situation has bugged me for years too. The great example is the Jeff Burton leading all 300 laps wire to wire 2000 New Hampshire race because the leaders pitted under yellow for the entire race. 265. Peter posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Newman called out on a technicality 266. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) BSPN interviewed Almirola? Does anyone ever interview Almirola? 267. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) interesting note, if Jamie McMurray had made the 2004 chase he would had finished 4th in points, if i done the math right. 268. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Did BSPN just show Casey Mears? What is this? 269. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) BSPN should move along with SportsCenter and have "periodic" updates from the track or until the rescheduled announcement as the crew in Joliet, Illinois is board to tears. 270. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Oh and by the way, GO BEARS!!! Great win today! Sorry to all you Minnesotans." That was a great game. Even though the Vikings lost, I'm not too upset about the end result because both teams gave it their best efforts and wanted to win this game, and in the end, the better team won with a score in the closing seconds. Plus, I've always liked the Bears (despite them being division rivals), so I can't complain too much. Of course, I was even more happy to catch the end of the Bills/Panthers game that came on after the Bears/Vikings game. The Panthers had the game won by intercepting a pass with less than a minute to go and the lead, but blew it due to a pass interference penalty (while in the PREVENT defense!). This allowed E.J. Manuel to win the game for his team with an impressive run and touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson in the succeeding two plays. And to cap it all off, Cam Newton got sacked on the final play of the game when only three or four Bills players didn't drop back into coverage. With a near win last week against the Patriots and a cardiac cat-like win against the Panthers today, we might be hearing about the Buffalo Bills a lot more this season than in years past. For their sake, I'm pulling for them to pull off a surprise playoff run this season. Few sports teams have more dedicated fanbases in spite of mediocrity than the Buffalo Bills. 271. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Please, NASCAR, just go ahead and announce the race will resume tomorrow at 1pm, by when the weather in Joliet should have been clear for long enough for the jet dryers to have the track in raceable condition. Don't sit around and play this waiting game and waste hours drying the track to race 15 laps before the rain falls again. 272. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) McMurray had an awesome 2004 despite barely missing the Chase due to dropping a cylinder late in the Richmond race. His near miss motivated the #42 team to prove why they belonged in the Chase, Mayfield once in, was a different story - outside of Dover. 273. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The ESPN crew has certainly dropped a lot of football references and comparisons during these rain delay interviews. 274. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Actually, after the shower that is currently over the track passes by within the next 15 minutes or so, it's nothing but clear on the radar. It may take a couple more hours, but I guarantee that this race will get back underway today at some point. 275. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR better make a decision soon, because a MLB game is scheduled to air live at 8 pm on ESPN. I could care less about baseball, but we all know ESPN's priorities: 2.) MLB (only behind the NFL) 183.) NASCAR 276. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "McMurray had an awesome 2004 despite barely missing the Chase" He was tied for second in top ten finishes (23), and ranked sixth in average finish among drivers who competed in every race (13.2). Certainly one of the best seasons among non-Chase drivers since the Chase's inception in 2004. 277. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) what is halfway? 278. 83andJoe posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Lap 134 is halfway. 279. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^134 laps would be halfway. 280. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Jabber1990, lap 133 is halfway. 281. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:44 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) My team, Paul's team, and Ben Lowe's team all lost by one point today. We must join forces and all gorilla press slam everyone in sight. 282. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Lets all point out that the sunday night baseball game is Yankees/Redsoxs......for the omteenth time this year so even if we go back racing. itll be on ESPN2 283. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:47 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "2.) MLB (only behind the NFL) 183.) NASCAR " Really, I thought NASCAR was just "dead last" with F1 "Unlisted" 284. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Some rain delay talk: "and at the same maybe we can work something out for Minnesota to either finally renovate the out MN state fair speedway are finally build a track that can host a cup race to!" That'd be so awesome. The downside is I remember talking with someone probably 10 or so years ago, the first year without racing at the Fair...they said something along the line of the State Fair being in it to make $, concerts made more $ than the racing did. The Fair board (or whatever their official name is) has made a few not so popular decisions in the last few years. The racing sticks out to us, but there are a lot of vendors that were p'd that they were losing space in the grandstand after the remodel. There are many unhappy vendors after this fair since they may or may not have a space next year since they're demolishing Heritage Square...I'll leave it at that so we don't bore all the non-Minnesotans and leave them saying "what does this have to do with racing?" major Local papers did a few articles about that. Back on topic: Minnesota has been clamoring for a big NASCAR for a while. They looked at Arden Hills (old ammo plant?) Lino Lakes and in the Elk River area and were shouted down by the NIMBY types. The supposed last hope is for something by Elko. I'd like and hate that since Elko is the last "major" minor league track we have (kind of an oxymoron, I know) since Raceway Park closed after this season...but how nice would it be to have something here! As we've shown today, quite a few MN NASCAR fans here...supposedly, we're one of the top markets TV ratings wise and one of the last without a major track in the market; Iowa is too far, Elkhart Lake is Milwaukee's market. It would help even more if we had a Minnesotan to root for at the Cup level, bring in the casual "homer" types...heck let's promote Paul Menard as our "Hometown boy". Menard's stores are argueably just as popular as Lowes and Home Depot up here and Eau Claire is in the Twin Cities' media market. Heck, I'd be fine with someone doing more than NHRA at Brainerd. Get a CWTS road course race there, I'd go to it! 285. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:51 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Somebody needs to tell Wes Welker it isn't the playoffs yet. Two drops in a row including alligator arming one. He doesn't do that until the post season. 286. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:54 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "2.) MLB (only behind the NFL) 183.) NASCAR " Really, I thought NASCAR was just "dead last" with F1 "Unlisted" No, NHL is dead last(boo) behind darts, equestrian, and the WNBA draft. 287. HappyHarvick47 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:56 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) #227 Does Danica really deserve a Cup ride? 288. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "They looked at Arden Hills (old ammo plant?)" The one just off of 35W? Yep. I believe that was also the same site where they were looking to build the new stadium on for a while. 289. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Don't forget that poker is a cornerstone of ESPN's lineup. A very important sport that needs to be covered as much as possible. 290. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Really, I thought NASCAR was just "dead last" with F1 "Unlisted"" I love how ESPN even puts NHRA over NASCAR... they seem to highlight the upcoming NHRA event every time they come back from commercials on the NASCAR race. "It would help even more if we had a Minnesotan to root for at the Cup level, bring in the casual "homer" types...heck let's promote Paul Menard as our "Hometown boy"" Isn't Leilani Munter from Minnesota? 291. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:58 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) ^Ah, poker. A sport that requires incredible amounts of athletic ability and skill. It's my Dad's favorite sport to watch, believe it or not. 292. Eric posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NicoRosbergFan, I didn't say Norm Van Brocklin wasn't deserving of the record. You misinterpreted what I said and you way overacted to what typed. I mentioned the age of the record for a reason. The record by Norm van Brocklin in passing yards in game is one of the most well known records in the league History and is one of the 2 oldest passing records that has passed of the age of time. I heard of the passing record since I was a kid in the 1980's. The 1951 Rams was well known as of the greatest offensive teams of all time and the fact Norm got the record wasn't a shock. I compare Norm's Record to Sid Luckman's passing touchdown's in a game and what Johnny Unitas's consecutive games without a touchdown before Drew Brees broke it. Sid Luckman was the first Quarterback ever to throw for 7 touchdowns in a game and while other tied it, nobody broke the record. I think Aaron Rodgers had a chance to break Norm's Record because Aaron now holds the record of most passing yards in the first half of a game and the first Quarterback ever to pass over 300 yards in the first half of fame. The fact is before today nobody threw for over 300 yards in a first half in a game. There had been quarterbacks than got very close to the record such as Warren Moon and Matt Schuab and I thought Arron had a shot breaking the record since the Redskins couldn't stop Rodgers in the first half. 293. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Poker is so easy. Just put some fake but obvious confidence in crappy cards and you've won. 294. HappyHarvick47 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Speaking of hockey, I guess I'll be watching pre-season NHL because the Leafs game starts at 6 from London (Ontario). 295. numbah48n10hatah posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:00 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) And ESPN gives way to "vaguely Sports"Center 296. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:02 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I hear a "Chicago" song playing on the track PA system in the background, lol. As far as Jamie McMurray's 2004, he was one of the most deserving drivers that didn't make the Chase in its 10-year history, IMO. McMurray had a great year, but missed it by only 15 points (old points system). 297. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ESPN is leaving the air at 6:00 PM ET. When the telecast resumes, it will be on ESPN2. 298. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I tried to design a track in Minnesota, but I have no clue what the geography of MN, SD or ND is like. the company I used to work for made us watch a safety video and they showed a dash-cam of northern Minneapolis (I believe along the 694 is what that guy said) and I joked because I said "wow, I didn't reconise Minneapolis without a foot of snow on it" I was in Minneapolis during that first snowstorm before Christmas... I spent they day in Rodgers or something and nearly crashed into everything because the parking lot was covered in ice... Minneapolis hasn't impressed me much 299. RaceFanX posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Trucks at Brainard? I'd be down for that. I'd love to see them go back to Heartland Park too but Kansas Speedway sort of puts that off. 300. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Poker is so easy. Just put some fake but obvious confidence in crappy cards and you've won." It obviously requires some intelligence as you have to know what risks are worth taking with those crappy cards and you have to be able to read your opponents, while at the same time it takes talent because you have to be good enough of an actor to fake your opponents out. It's like NASCAR: anyone can drive a car or play poker, but not everyone can drive a car fast or play poker competitively. "And ESPN gives way to "vaguely Sports"Center" It's probably more entertaining than a bunch of NASCAR commentators trying to improvise merely to occupy time. 301. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) and it was like -15 degrees that day (probably off by 15 degrees) and my truck didn't have a bunk heater 302. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) i'd love to see "Ultimate Poker Championship: NASCAR edition" NASCAR is so mental, especially as a driver or crew chief, some are good at handling the pressure (some better than others) 303. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'm sure poker does take talent (I've only played once for like five minutes, so I wouldn't know too much). I can respect it, but there's no way in hell that it should be considered more of a sport than racing. 304. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:10 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) What about the prestigious sport of hot dog eating? Where would that rank on BSPN's list (since I've seen more than a few hot dog eating competitions being aired on there over the past several years-sadly most them being announced by PAUL PAGE)? 305. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I always kind of thought it would be a good idea to either put the Minnesota track in the valleys of SE mn.....So it would kind of me like an area similar to Bristol are in northern mn like where Brainard has its track/road course/NHRA races.....It would cause some picture perfect images of racing. 306. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Even better, JRacingFast, put in northeast Minnesota, around the Duluth area. There are plenty of hills up there, and the area is absolutely beautiful. Racing aside, I highly recommend anyone to go visit Duluth on vacation (it's where I went back in early September), and if you do, take I-35 up there. The view when you finally clear the hills and get a good view of the ports, city, and lake is literally breath-taking. 307. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "sadly most them being announced by PAUL PAGE" Just a joke. That shows what ESPN thinks of motorsports. "What? We don't have someone for the hot dog contest? Well, we can't have Berman or one of our regular play by play guys risk their dignity to call it, so let's just get one of the motorsports guys to do it. They already have low standards since motorsports is a joke, so what's one more terrible thing for their career resume?" 308. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ^ *put it in northeast Minnesota* 309. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 306. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:16 pm "Even better, JRacingFast, put in northeast Minnesota, around the Duluth area. There are plenty of hills up there, and the area is absolutely beautiful. Racing aside, I highly recommend anyone to go visit Duluth on vacation (it's where I went back in early September), and if you do, take I-35 up there. The view when you finally clear the hills and get a good view of the ports, city, and lake is literally breath-taking." Argreed i forgot about that area! I used to take that route when me and my family would go up to the Grand Rapids/Lake Winniebigosh area to a cabin, We now go to a place an hour north of Brainard. Well now that we got the perfect area for a MN NASCAR track....How bigs it gonna be? I always thought we could do something like Phonix except with more banking and more of a bigger dog leg on the back to make it kinda be a backward daytona except for it being around a mile are smaller. 310. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) when would be a good time to have a race in Minnesota? July? because i'm sure March or April wouldn't be good 311. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Duluth is very pleasant as is the drive along Lake Superior. Very rugged area. Cliffs, trees, very BIG lake. The only bad thing about putting something up there is the weather stereotype. "Unless they hold in in July...it'll be too cold and/or snowing". In reality, yes it can be a little nippy around there, even in June, but no where near cold enough for snow. Sad thing is that during the AMA MX Pro Nationals at Milville/Spring Creek, we did live up to the bad weather stereotype. July 27 and it was barely 60 degrees and raining? People in hoodies? Thanks Mother Nature. As for the track itself: Let's go really big or fairly small. Either 2 miles or 1 mile. No 1.5 mile cookie cutter for us! 312. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I'm Paul Page... from Papyrus, THIS is Hot Dog Eating 2!" 313. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I desgined a short track, Bristol-shaped with 45 degrees of concrete banking, I thought Wyoming would be a good place for it but i'm sure Minnesota would work too as long as its hilly or mountainous I've desgined other short tracks that might work, but they all have some akward shape to them 314. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I'd love to see an NFL team, when building a new stadium, have a quarter-mile semi-banked track around the field similar to Dodge Raceway Stadium on the old EA Sports NASCAR games (and to a lesser extent Bowman-Gray Stadium, but the higher-level NASCAR series cars almost definitely need at least SOME banking). 315. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "when would be a good time to have a race in Minnesota?" Depends on where you're putting the track. Twin Cities area on south: Late May-Mid September. Northern 2/3 of the state: Probably Mid June-August. Minnesota's geography is very weird, even people that live here have a hard time describing it. In The Minneapolis area alone you has different areas: The north is flat and sandy, the east and south are parts of river valleys. Eevrything else is sort of up and down. Throw in the rest of the state and you end up going "uh..." 316. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jet dryers have been started. 317. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:41 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) NR2003 Chase Race Six, Camping World RV Sales 500 Race Notes: With Jimmie Johnson out due to a broken clutch, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth lose their chance to take a commanding lead in the championship chase upon being collected in a last-lap crash. Top 10 1. Greg Biffle 2. Kurt Busch 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 4. Jeff Gordon 5. Tony Stewart (Yes, he's still in there. Using the Daytona roster). 6. Denny Hamlin 7. Jeff Burton 8. Aric Almirola 9. Mark Martin 10. Kevin Harvick Notables 11. Clint Bowyer 14. Joey Logano 19. Kyle Busch 22. Kasey Kahne 23. Carl Edwards 24. Matt Kenseth 32. Ryan Newman 37. Jimmie Johnson 38. Danica Patrick Chase Standings 1. Jeff Gordon 2225 2. Matt Kenseth 2222 (-3) 3. Carl Edwards 2220 (-5) 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2217 (-8) 5. Joey Logano 2214 (-11) 5. Kurt Busch 2214 (-11) 7. Jimmie Johnson 2210 (-15) 8. Kasey Kahne 2190 (-35) 9. Kyle Busch 2181 (-44) 10. Clint Bowyer 2168 (-57) 11. Ryan Newman 2166 (-59) 12. Kevin Harvick 2146 (-79) 13. Greg Biffle 2145 (-80) 318. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jet dryers are beginning to make their rounds. Hope to be racing again by 8:30-9 p.m. ET. 319. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:44 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) The Sound, I find it fascinating to see Jeff leading with out any wins. 320. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I heard the race will be on ESPN HD, first i didnt know that was a channel, and If it is theres a 0% chance i get it. 321. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Now I'm actually starting to wonder if Gordon is going to actually end up winning the simulated championship... 322. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) This simulation is going to end up more exciting than the real thing. 323. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I heard the race will be on ESPN HD" Usually (Channel Name) HD is exactly the same as the regular channel, just in high definition. The only difference is that there is usually a 1 or 2 second delay. I don't see why ESPN would be any different. Besides, NASCAR and ESPN have already announced that it will resume on ESPN 2 (and I assume it will be on ESPN 2 HD as well). 324. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I heard the race will be on ESPN HD, first i didnt know that was a channel, and If it is theres a 0% chance i get it." That's just regular ESPN. 325. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This day kinda feels like Talladega back in the spring. Get some racing in, wait out a delay for a couple hours, then finish it off (which made it feel like a totally different race). 326. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 6:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "This day kinda feels like Talladega back in the spring. Get some racing in, wait out a delay for a couple hours, then finish it off (which made it feel like a totally different race)." I was at that Talladega race. When the rain came we all took cover and then they came over the PA and said "Evacuate immediately. Hail and lighting are on the way." Obviously, with that announcement we assumed it was over and my friends and I (and most everyone else at the track) started to leave. By the time we got back to the car, the rain had stopped and I called my mom to tell her we were leaving because the race had been called. She was watching it on TV and told me that it hadn't been called, so my friends and I debated going back in but we decided to head on back to Auburn. By the time we got back, we were able to watch the end of the race on TV which was strange considering we had been at the very same race just a few hours previously. 327. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jet dryers have shut off. 328. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #372 that means either that they have thrown in the towel or that they're ready to race. 329. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) I didnt mean ESPN HD i meant ESPN News, my bad 330. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "that means either that they have thrown in the towel or that they're ready to race." Or that they ran out of fuel. 331. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:34 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Any updates, ESPN? 332. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:37 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) I can't stand ESPN. Haven't seen one damn update. Can't wait until they lose their coverage. 333. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) K. Lee Davis of ESPN's Racecast chat says unconfirmed reports are saying the race will resume at noon tomorrow. 334. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yet NASCAR's official Twitter retweeted a message saying the jet dryers were back out there 20 minutes ago... 335. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 1. NFL 2. NCAA 3. MLB 138. NASCAR and this too... over two hours later 271. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 5:31 pm Rate this comment: Please, NASCAR, just go ahead and announce the race will resume tomorrow at 1pm, by when the weather in Joliet should have been clear for long enough for the jet dryers to have the track in raceable condition. Don't sit around and play this waiting game and waste hours drying the track to race 15 laps before the rain falls again. 336. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Theres no way there racing tonight it appears so looks like ill be begging teachers for race updates tommorow..... 337. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 7:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) In fact NLA, I was just at Racecast, and K. Lee Davis said that it had started to rain again. It may be the will of a higher power, as if they were trying to tell NASCAR not to run this race as the Chase opener head-to-head against a Bears game (and a great one, as it turned out). It might also be punishment for NASCAR from all that happened last week. But running the Chase opener head-to-head with a Chicago Bears home game is one if numerous reasons why opening the Chase at Chicago is doomed to fail. Run it at Indy. At least, they won't be in direct competition against another significant event, and a race at Indy will be a very big one, just because it's IMS. Tat's a major argument for opening the Chase with the Brickyard 400, anyway. 338. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) NASCAR has made every boneheaded decision imaginable this season. 339. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Geez give it up already NASCAR you're not going to be racing today why do you continue to torment fans by putting yourselves in a hopeless situation. 340. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Whether they're going to race or not, they're doing a really crappy job of getting information out there. I just listened to the MRN feed and they're going off air now but they said they'll be back at 9, apparently to cover the race. (?) 341. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) There is currently a light mist on track, according to MRN. Officials have not called the race yet, but hope to get back racing at some point tonight. MRN will go back on-air at 9 PM EST. 342. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I was told to tune into ESPN2 for updates. I did and I get to see a John Fox press conference. AAARRRGGGHHH!!! 343. Jim Davis posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) " It may be the will of a higher power, as if they were trying to tell NASCAR not to run this race as the Chase opener head-to-head against a Bears game (and a great one, as it turned out)." It's always amazed me what people imagine higher powers concern themselves with. 344. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) LOL at this tweet: "Is NASCAR going to penalize the rain for conspiring to change the outcome of the race tonight? If so, who will be in (or out) of the chase?" 345. epzik8 posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ESPN is still saying the race is "in a rain delay" and that it will be on ESPN2 "when it resumes". nascar.com isn't showing anything on the leaderboard and MRN is now saying they'll resume coverage at 9 Eastern/6 Pacific. 346. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR's official Twitter page says that they hope to get the race running within the next hour or so. 347. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:12 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I am going to do a 180 and say lets have the drivers race in the rain and to hell with the consequences. 348. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:16 pm Rate this comment: (6) (1) I , unlike many others, applaud NASCAR for trying to get the race in today, for the sake of fans that just cant be here tommorow, or the fans that have school tommorow from 7:55 til 2:45 like me. 349. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:18 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) It's a shame that it rains on 90% of every Nascar weekend, and only 15% of F1 weekends. 350. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Let's just hope this isn't a repeat of the fiasco at Auto Club Speedway in 2008, a week after that year's Daytona 500, when there were weepers that were causing crashes. And for long-time fans, there was that marathon season finale at Atlanta in 1998, when there was about 12 hours between the time the race was scheduled to begin, ad the time the race ended, and it was shortened anyway due to a curfew. Those are a couple of examples what this is starting to look like. 351. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Even better Ben Lowe... Have Brian France drive the pace car around the track to determine if the conditions are safe enough for the race to resume this evening. 352. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) That 1998 Atlanta marathon was the season finale and I vaguely remember being enthralled by the nighttime racing at Atlanta as an 11 year old. 353. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:35 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) This is just beyond pathetic coverage on ESPN right now. I guarantee you that they've completely forgotten about the race. Not one update on the bottom line scroller, nothing other than a "they're in a rain delay" mention. Pathetic. 354. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I remember watching the 1998 curfew shortened Atlanta race and I was at the curfew shortened 1997 Coca Cola "500". Here is a big shocker considering those were two late 90s races, Gordon won both of them. The race tonight will be a good thing for me. It will allow me to get some sleep at work before 2 am hits. Why is that important? Cause on Monday mornings, every nursing home decides at least one of their patients needs to go to the hospital. We are slammed from then until we can get off work. This race will help me sleep until then. 355. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Am I the only one who is sort of excited by the idea of late night racing in NASCAR? 356. WinstonCup4Ever posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like Keslowski ain't alone in not being able to defend his racing title for sure. Over in the NHRA, Antron Brown looks like he won't be defending his championship in Top Fuel as he missed making "The Countdown" and the race itself. 357. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Maybe Jarrett88fan, but that race was supposed to begin at about 12:30 in the afternoon, and a number of rain delays (about three or four) were what led to that race running so ate that it had to be shortened due to the curfew, and only just more than two-thirds of the race ended up being run. In fact, pit road was so wet that NASCAR threw competition cautions just so they wouldn't have to make any green flag pit stops. That race may have been the beginning of the end for Atlanta hosting the season finale. Homestead was added to the schedule the following year (that addition had already been made), and in four years, Homestead had been made the season-ending race. On the flip side, one of the highlights of that race was Joe Falk's car running third late and finishing in the top five with Todd Bodine driving. 358. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:42 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) NR2003 Chase Race Seven, Goody's 500 Top 10 1. Clint Bowyer 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Kevin Harvick 4. Jeff Gordon 5. Ryan Newman 6. Kasey Kahne 7. Matt Kenseth 8. Jamie McMurray 9. Joey Logano 10. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Notables 15. Kurt Busch 16. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 18. Carl Edwards 20. Danica Patrick 23. Greg Biffle 29. Kyle Busch Chase Standings 1. Jeff Gordon 2265 2. Matt Kenseth 2260 (-5) 3. Jimmie Johnson 2253 (-12) 4. Joey Logano 2250 (-15) 5. Carl Edwards 2246 (-19) 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2246 (-19) 7. Kurt Busch 2243 (-22) 8. Kasey Kahne 2229 (-36) 9. Clint Bowyer 2216 (-49) 10. Ryan Newman 2205 (-60) 11. Kyle Busch 2196 (-69) 12. Kevin Harvick 2187 (-78) 13. Greg Biffle 2166 (-99) Three races to decide the champion... 359. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:43 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Am I the only one who is sort of excited by the idea of late night racing in NASCAR?" I do too, even though I like day racing better. What they did with the 2012 Daytona 500 was pretty cool, but it was a good thing they didn't make that permanent. Essentially, what I'm saying is that it's good every once in a while. 360. Rexrobe posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Playing devil's advocate here, if the race gets going around 10 eastern, that's 9pm local and 7pm on the West Coast. May be a good thing for left coast fans. /begin old fart rambling I remember when I was with the IRL that we had races in Phoenix and Fontana starting at 11am local time. I'm sure that was fine on the east coast but it made for horrible attendance and support in the local area. Couple that with the IRL being unable to market itself out of a paper bag, and people still wonder why the best Phoenix could do for us was a Thursday evening race! /end old fart rambling 361. BluesTravelerFan posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Colin McRae 3 is such a great game even after all these years. 362. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 8:54 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "Word is NASCAR is looking into all of Gordon's second place finishes to see how many wins they can retroactively award him." 1993-World 600 1993-Michigan race 1 All 6 runner-ups in 1998-so he'll have a Modern record 19 wins in a season. 2004 Fall Charlotte all 5 in 2007-so he'll have more wins than Johnson that season, and it would retroactively give him his 5th Championship too, maybe. all 8 in 2009-so he'll have more wins than Johnson that season. 2011 Sonoma-so he can become the Cup driver with double-digit Road-Race wins 2011 Brickyard 400-so he can make history by becoming the *First 5 time Indy Winner. That would give him 24 more wins and 111 Total, making him the second biggest winner in Cup history behind Richard Petty's 357 after Nascar also retroactively makes ALL of The Kings 2nd's into wins. Is Nascar considering this?? 363. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "*First 5 time Indy Winner." I guess the asterisk is supposed to indicate that Michael Schumacher's 5 wins at the track don't count? 364. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:02 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I dont know if any of us in here are engineers (I know im not) but what kind of changes will they have to make to the car if/when they run at night after building the cars to run at noon? are they major changes? or can they just "ready to roll?" 365. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Gordon only has 24 2nd place finishes, with the most of the coming after 2001? I could have swore he posted more 2nd's during the Original Reign of Terror. 366. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I guess the asterisk is supposed to indicate that Michael Schumacher's 5 wins at the track don't count?" Sarcastically speaking? yes. 367. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Even better Ben Lowe... Have Brian France drive the pace car around the track to determine if the conditions are safe enough for the race to resume this evening." Brian France would be the 1st person to get a DUI while while driving the pace car if that happened. 368. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:06 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Gordon only has 24 2nd place finishes, with the most of the coming after 2001?" I was nit picking. He has 67. 369. epzik8 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I won't be able to see the rest of the race live now. I'll have to record it. 370. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:08 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "Even better Ben Lowe... Have Brian France drive the pace car around the track to determine if the conditions are safe enough for the race to resume this evening." Brian France would be the 1st person to get a DUI while while driving the pace car if that happened. Ha ha, all he needs is a top hat and a tux and he'd be Arthur. 371. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'd be lying if I said I'm not an engineer, but this isn't exactly within my realm. Anyway, based on what I know about physics, the cooler track would lead to higher speeds due to increased grip. You'd think it would affect everyone equally but it really all depends on driving styles and the current setup of the car. For drivers who like loose race cars like Jimmie Johnson, the car will probably be too tight and he'll be wanting to take some wedge out or another adjustment that frees up the car. Drivers who like tighter cars may be comfortable as is. 372. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Man now we're waiting out two weather delays. NASCAR and Sunday Night Football... 373. Flywheel posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (3) Yes, CJS, rain that was out of Atlanta's control is why they lost the season-ending race. More worthless conjuncture from you. 374. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I heard a rumor that they will air it on ESPN2 when Drag Racing is over 375. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Man now we're waiting out two weather delays. NASCAR and Sunday Night Football..." What is it with the NFL and weather delays now days? Some more Roger Goodell wussification rules? 376. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Saints/Buccaneers game had a weather delay. NASCAR is entering its 5th (right? I lost count) hour of a weather delay. And now the 49ers/Seahawks game is going into a weather delay. What a day for sports. 377. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Apparently the inspectors (whoever they are) are being called out to "inspect" the track. 378. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:17 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "What is it with the NFL and weather delays now days? Some more Roger Goodell wussification rules?" Yeah, why can't the players (and fans) just stay out in a lightning storm and get electrocuted like real men? /sarcasm (if needed) 379. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Some more Roger Goodell wussification rules?" Earlier today a defensive player for the Broncos got flagged for "taunting". Do the power that be in the NFL not realize that professional football is a game played by GROWN MEN, not little girls. 380. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I have physics homework i completely forgot about, so is anyone here good at physics? lol 381. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:21 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) NR2003 Chase Race Eight, AAA Texas 500 Notes: Clint Bowyer slips around Carl Edwards with 8 laps remaining to nab his second win in two weeks. Top 10 1. Clint Bowyer 2. Kevin Harvick 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 4. Carl Edwards 5. Kurt Busch 6. Greg Biffle 7. Ryan Newman 8. Brad Keselowski 9. Aric Almirola 10. Joey Logano Notables 11. Jimmie Johnson 12. Matt Kenseth 16. Jeff Gordon 23. Danica Patrick 24. Kasey Kahne 36. Kyle Busch Chase Standings 1. Jeff Gordon 2293 2. Matt Kenseth 2292 (-1) 3. Carl Edwards 2288 (-5) 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2288 (-5) 5. Jimmie Johnson 2286 (-7) 6. Joey Logano 2284 (-9) 7. Kurt Busch 2283 (-10) 8. Clint Bowyer 2263 (-30) 9. Kasey Kahne 2249 (-44) 10. Ryan Newman 2242 (-51) 11. Kevin Harvick 2230 (-63) 12. Greg Biffle 2204 (-89) 12. Kyle Busch 2204 (-89) Seven drivers. Two races. One championship. On to Phoenix... 382. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Saints/Buccaneers game had a weather delay. NASCAR is entering its 5th (right? I lost count) hour of a weather delay. And now the 49ers/Seahawks game is going into a weather delay." And I believe a PGA golf match is postponed to 9 am tomorrow due to rain. 383. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:23 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "And I believe a PGA golf match is postponed to 9 am tomorrow due to rain." That's true, because the PGA, like NASCAR, decided to schedule a playoff event in Illinois against a Bears home game. 384. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I had Physics back in the day. I sucked at it. Of course, if that wasn't hard enough, the class was taught by a Russian who couldn't speak a lick of English. Since that semester, I've never said a word of Russian or completed a single problem of physics. 385. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:25 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) The NR2003 2013 Chase has been thrilling... at least there are no rain delays. 386. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @373, I said that may have been the beginning of the end of having the season finale there because of weather issues, but that was hardly the only time they ever had problems there in the 25 years the finale was held there, but I think that was the straw that broke the camel's back on that. Remember that two years later in 2000, the finale was rained out and they had to run it on Monday. Frankly, I liked Atlanta as the season finale for a number of reasons. The track, regardless of configuration, was and still is a great one to race at, and the finale was 500 miles. To me, it fit all the requirements of having the finale. But the problems they had in terms of weather, either wet weather or cold weather, along with the fact that the Miami area is a more attractive market, were likely the reasons why the season finale was eventually moved for the 2002 season. Now if NASCAR can add 100 miles to the finale on what has become a very good track for racing, and make it a 500-mile race, the season finale would fit all the requirements, in my view. But the finale is just too short and, except for 2011 (a race delayed by rain), usually anti-climatic. 387. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I see Kyle Busch is last. Must've been putting too much effort into that coveted Nationwide owners championship. 388. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Car covers coming off!! 389. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "What a day for sports." And the BMW Championship (Golf) was also postponed to Monday from inclement weather. "I heard a rumor that they will air it on ESPN2 when Drag Racing is over." YES. God, how many times is someone gonna ask what channel the race will be on??? I've seen that question on Twitter soooo many times today! Jeez! "Even better Ben Lowe... Have Brian France drive the pace car around the track to determine if the conditions are safe enough for the race to resume this evening." I mean, his grandfather, Big Bill France, drove a car at speed around Talladega when they first started racing there to prove it was safe.... 390. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I mean, his grandfather, Big Bill France, drove a car at speed around Talladega when they first started racing there to prove it was safe...." That's right... so let's have Brian drive Kyle Busch's car around the track at race speed! 391. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) myproblem with physics is my teacher who throws work at us, tells us to do it w/out teaching it then gets pissed as hell when we dont know what to do, hes also a former Army guy so he yells at us really loud to. 392. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Screw the Rain I say that the Drivers & Football Players go out there to race & play football like real athletes would do. 393. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "I mean, his grandfather, Big Bill France, drove a car at speed around Talladega when they first started racing there to prove it was safe...." If Brian did something like that, he'd have the other 42 cars black flagged and himself declared the winner. 394. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:31 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Brian France would be the 1st person to get a DUI while while driving the pace car if that happened. Ha! He better be glad NASCAR is off the mainstream sport's media. Can you imagine how much shit they would give him. Look at how much shit they have given Bud Selig and he is much more competent than Brian (not trying to praise Bud, he has his share of brainless moments, but compare his track record to Brian's and he looks like Pete Freaking Rozelle). I would say this would be awesome, but the mainstream sports media has such an air of self importance about them, even them trashing one of my favorite targets wouldn't be any fun. I remember watching and liatening to them trash one of my least favorite people, Barry Bonds (I have taken great pleasure in watching San Fran's World Series success since Bonds finally retired and crawled back under whatever rock he came from), and thinking "get over yourselves". 395. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:33 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Lightning delays are legit for the NFL and College Football which has had a few lightning delays this year especially in the South Carolina/North Carolina game. 396. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) On the ESPN News ticker, they have NASCAR on ESPN2 at 10pm et, green flag at 10:05 397. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "YES. God, how many times is someone gonna ask what channel the race will be on??? I've seen that question on Twitter soooo many times today! Jeez!" Haha, I tweeted this a few minutes ago..."IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ONE OF THE 50 BILLION TWEETS SENT OUT ABOUT THIS, THE #NASCAR RACE WILL RESUME ON ESPN 2. #RAINDELAY" 398. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ben, the reason the game was stopped wasn't rain, it was lightning. It's taken a long time, far longer than needed, but it's finally good to see the NFL finally beginning to take lightning seriously in recent years. And did you not see what happened when the rain that caused this delay hit? One car (the #30 of Cole Whitt) spun out, and it was incredibly fortunate that others didn't follow, because the rain hit with the cars still going full speed. 399. The Sound posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:37 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) NR2003 Chase Race Nine, Advocare 500 Race Notes: A hot and slick day in the desert, with many drivers venturing to the high groove to find grip. Martin Truex Jr. grabs revenge for missing the Chase by snookering the field on fuel mileage and ripping the victory out of Jimmie Johnson's grasp. Top 10 1. Martin Truex JR. 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Clint Bowyer 4. Ryan Newman 5. Greg Biffle 6. Jeff Gordon 7. Kurt Busch 8. Matt Kenseth 9. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 10. Kasey Kahne Notables 11. Joey Logano 13. Carl Edwards 14. Kyle Busch 19. Danica Patrick 40. Kevin Harvick Chase Standings 1. Jeff Gordon 2331 2. Jimmie Johnson 2329 (-2) 3. Matt Kenseth 2327 (-4) 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2325 (-6) 5. Kurt Busch 2321 (-10) 6. Carl Edwards 2319 (-12) 7. Joey Logano 2318 (-13) 8. Clint Bowyer 2306 (-25) 9. Kasey Kahne 2283 (-48) 10. Ryan Newman 2282 (-49) 11. Greg Biffle 2243 (-88) 12. Kyle Busch 2235 (-96) 13. Kevin Harvick 2233 (-98) 8 drivers. 1 race. 1 championship. Clinch scenarios to follow. (I swear to you, I haven't been manipulating this). 400. 12345Dude posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "With a near win last week against the Patriots and a cardiac cat-like win against the Panthers today, we might be hearing about the Buffalo Bills a lot more this season than in years past. For their sake, I'm pulling for them to pull off a surprise playoff run this season. Few sports teams have more dedicated fanbases in spite of mediocrity than the Buffalo Bills." Thank you Paul. I live about an hour away from Buffalo and watch the Bills. I missed the game though. I've never seen them have more wins than losses in a season. The one time they did they were 9-6 and playing the Pittsburgh Steelers 3rd string players (they already got #1 seed). We got destroyed and ended up 9-7 without the playoffs. I just want to see them make the playoffs once before they move. Anyone who complains about their NFL team, at least you will get to see them make the playoffs. I might never be able to. 401. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:38 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) What channel is the race gonna be on? Is it QVC? Makes sense, since that smart mouthed yankee bastard was sponsored by them in the mid 90's. 402. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) and to people who say run rain tires that simply wouldnt work for these cars 403. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:39 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) I don't have a problem with taking everyone inside during lightning, but I was brutally disappointed that time they postponed Sunday Night Football from Philly cause a blizzard was coming through. Newsflash: WE WANT TO WATCH FOOTBALL IN A BLIZZARD! Remember that playoff game at Lambeau between Seattle and the Pack? So awesome. And this is where certain people here may say 'Having all those fans drove in a blizzard is unsafe". Its Philadelphia, residents there have driven in a blizzard or two in their lives. If the NFL really gave a shit about fan safety, they'd ban alcohol from being sold at their games. 404. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) you can run rain tires on these cars, you just cant in an oval 405. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:41 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "1. Martin Truex JR." Four Chase wins for MWR? Mega ugh. 406. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:42 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Is it QVC? Makes sense, since that smart mouthed yankee bastard was sponsored by them in the mid 90's. *nods approvingly* 407. Unser1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:46 pm Rate this comment: (7) (4) You Johnny Rebs need to suck it up and quit using yankee as an insult (Rebs used for irony and I will stop if you do). Bodine was a damn good driver. 408. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:46 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "If Brian did something like that, he'd have the other 42 cars black flagged and himself declared the winner." Nah, Brian would let Jeff Gordon pass him and then have him autograph his cigarette-burned 1995 Winston Cup Champion leather jacket in victory lane. 409. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:48 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I swear if after all this it ends up being just another Johnson snore fest... 410. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:49 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "1. Martin Truex JR." Four Chase wins for MWR? Mega ugh. The most Chase wins belong to Clint Menard... Gordon and Johnson have 0 and are locked in the Thunderdome at Homestead. 411. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:50 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Bodine was a damn driver. He was also a know it all, obnoxious, loud mouthed, whining, sniveling, short little smart mouthed dumbass yankee bastard. 412. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Apparently all the guys are to their cars. The keyword there is "guys". Danica hasn't gotten back yet. 413. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Apparently everyone's waiting for Danica to show up....seriously. She hasn't showed up to her car yet. 414. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:51 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) All drivers have made it to there cars except for Danica. NASCAR officials have told the team "Get with the crew chief and tell him we'll be happy to start without her.'' 415. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:51 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Specifically it was David Hoots that said that. 416. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR's not waiting on Danica, they're waiting on NHRA coverage on ESPN2 (the network's priority) to end. As was said, they'll race with or without Danica. 417. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:52 pm Rate this comment: (3) (3) Danica is the same thing that Chris Jericho called Stephanie McMahon during the Attitude Era. 418. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:53 pm Rate this comment: (2) (3) "Does Danica really deserve a Cup ride?" No. 419. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Classic BoB. 420. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:55 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What a shock, ESPN knocked NHRA to ESPNEWS to put NASCAR on ESPN2! 421. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) Did Danica go home? Good riddance if so. 422. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "He was also a know it all, obnoxious, loud mouthed, whining, sniveling, short little smart mouthed dumbass yankee bastard." Replace "Yankee" with "Southern" and you've described me perfectly:) 423. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:56 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) She's from the area. Maybe she thought she could have a homecoming during the delay. 424. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *damn good driver BoB has really fallen off the radar. They didn't even show her qualifying run. 425. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Engines have fired. 426. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 9:59 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) A random NASCAR.com commenter on how they're going to light up the track tonight: "They just gave the five fans left in the stands a flashlight and asked them to aim them at the track." 427. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Vortex Theory now in effect... not that it has any validity whatsoever. 428. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Danica is the same thing that Chris Jericho called Stephanie McMahon during the Attitude Era." Lol "All drivers have made it to there cars except for Danica." Lol, where do we all think she is? I'm just curious, let's see what kind of excuses we can make up for her. What Bodine are we talking about DSFF? Brett? Todd? Geoff? all? To me, Todd kind of looks like a bald, chubby chipmunk. Brett's starting to look like one too as he ages. Geoff, he just looks like he's getting old. 429. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well the #10 car is on the track, don't know if Danica's in it or not. 430. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Danica is the same thing that Chris Jericho called Stephanie McMahon during the Attitude Era." The opposite of Miss Elizabeth... ooooooo yeahhhhhhhh!!!!! 431. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Not gonna lie, smallest crowd i've ever seen at a Cup race. 432. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Green! 433. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (10) (0) "Well the #10 car is on the track, don't know if Danica's in it or not." Mike Harmon probably carjacked it. 434. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The grandstands look nearly empty. 435. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kenseth, Johnson, Ky. Busch, Earnhardt, and Kahne is the order coming off of pit road. Top 9 took just 2 tires. 436. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The grandstands were lacking even before the rain delay. I mentioned earlier that they were only 30-40% full but that was probably a generous estimate. 437. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:06 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Well the #10 car is on the track, don't know if Danica's in it or not." Mike Harmon probably carjacked it. - Best comment of the day so far. 438. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Geoff. He is the only one I'd call a damn good driver. Or a good driver. Or not a complete waste of space on the track. 439. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Is this a preview of what the grandstands will typically look like during NASCAR races by the end of the decade? 440. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 431. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:04 pm "Not gonna lie, smallest crowd i've ever seen at a Cup race. " Idk the tuesday Atlanta race a few years back was pretty small to 441. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yes, TS1420 gets the laugh out loud award of the day/night. 442. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) My green was a little premature. Mind you, I'm not watching, I'm only connected to here and Twitter. 443. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Harmon probably couldn't do any worse. It is HMS equipment after all. 444. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Geoff. He is the only one I'd call a damn good driver. Or a good driver. Or not a complete waste of space on the track." Come on DSFF! Brett is a damn good driver. He leads the most laps every season and helped design the COT.... 445. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Now we're green, David. 446. Eric posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JG24FanForever, What happened was a lot of fans went home. I am saying that because I have aunts that went to the race by taking a touring bus. According to my aunt, a lot of the touring buses that has NASCAR fans already left the parking lot. The Tour bus they are on probably left the parking lot also. 447. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Montoya still has a tire rub from the contact with Whitt. 448. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:11 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) He doesn't anymore, the left rear quarter panel's gone. 449. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Caution for Montoya debris. 450. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Caution for Montoya losing his tire. 451. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Dumbasses. TIRE RUBS DON'T JUST GO AWAY! Until they blow out of course. 452. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Idk the tuesday Atlanta race a few years back was pretty small to" There were thousands at people at that race. This race is lucky to have a hundred in the stands, but i'm only noting it, not saying "look how weak Nascar is haha!". 453. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:14 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I guess we should have known something would happen with Montoya, since last time we had one of these late night races he hit the jet dryer. 454. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:14 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "I am saying that because I have aunts that went to the race by taking a touring bus. According to my aunt, a lot of the touring buses that has NASCAR fans already left the parking lot. The Tour bus they are on probably left the parking lot also." Why is the tour bus scene in Beavis and Butt-Head Do America coming back? 455. epzik8 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Not another caution already! 456. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like a lot of people are coming back. 457. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Shocker: on NASCAR.com's Live Leaderboard comments, many people are STILL asking what channel the race is on. 458. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) At least this caution was a legit one... 459. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Why is the tour bus scene in Beavis and Butt-Head Do America coming back?" Heh heh nngh heh heh nngh. That was, like, the stupidest show, like, ever. Heh heh nngh he heh nngh. Hur hur hur, yeah. That was, like, the stupidest show, like, ever. Hur hur hur hur. 460. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Shocker: on NASCAR.com's Live Leaderboard comments, many people are STILL asking what channel the race is on. I guess those people aren't coming back. 461. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Wait a minute... JPM may be driving for Furniture Row next season... Kurt Busch needed a caution to pit after taking a wavearound... JPM stays on the track with a ticking time bomb tire... please don't be another conspiracy! 462. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR is doing a pretty bad job of picking up the debris... 463. Mr X posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) One would think that in a 5 hour rain delay somebody in the 42 team would have noticed that the damage may have caused a tire rub. 464. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (4) Is there a worse driver on restarts than the 88? 465. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Aric is hanging in there in 5th. If he could steal it from these guys tonight I would freak. 466. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kyle Busch to second. Much to BSPN's joy, the sweep may actually end up happening. 467. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) No JPM Furniture Row conspiracy, except on Nascar.com's Live Leaderboard comments. 468. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Is there a worse driver on restarts than the 88?" Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin. 469. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:24 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) I mean, in races where you have to keep track position, losing 4-5 spots every restart is terrible. 470. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Is there a worse driver on restarts than the 88?" Jamie Mac. 471. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Speaking of the Live Leaderboard, is it broken for everyone else? I was trying to check on lap speeds. 472. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:25 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What the heck was Montoya Doing he is completely brainless. 473. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yeah, it's not loading for me on any browser. 474. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) There's no way Ripple Effect is worse than the 88 on restarts. If you watch them come to the line, whoever he's in front of is always backed up like crazy and he's 3-5 car lengths behind the car in front of him. Startin' that slide down the standings as we speak... Oh and Ripple Effect is charging to the front. imagine that! 475. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:30 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I can only imagine what Bro Jackson's reaction would be if Gordon won the championship... 476. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Logano looks like he has a problem. 477. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Joey's got problems. 478. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Something is wrong with Joey Logano. 479. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Allgaier crashes, caution. 480. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) the 51 goes around 481. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) All those Logano voodoo dolls worked over by Rainbow Nation just took effect. 482. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Oh and Ripple Effect is charging to the front. imagine that!" Does this mean I have to change my user name to RE24FanForever? I'm a huge Resident Evil fan, so that would work on multiple levels. 483. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And now Justin Allgaier crashes and brings out the caution. Has anyone actually mentioned this is his first career start? I'm not entirely sure... 484. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If Gordon won the championship more heads would spin than Linda Blair's in The Exorcist. 485. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) But keep running those commercials.... 486. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) Well Schroeder51, I'd be pretty pissed because he would have been gifted an opportunity to win something he didn't earn over the course of 26 races. Imagine the Cowboys needing to go 9-7 to make the playoffs, going 8-8, but having Roger Goodell give them a 7th playoff spot and they win the Super Bowl. Sports Entertainment at its finest. 487. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Logano blew up I think. 488. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) "Does this mean I have to change my user name to RE24FanForever? I'm a huge Resident Evil fan, so that would work on multiple levels." If I could get that to stick, I'd laugh profusely. 489. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I see Joey got the Roush-Yates Bargain Bin Special this weekend. 490. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Is there a worse driver on restarts than the 88?" Biffle, Menard, Newman, Kahne, McMurray, Martin, Stenhouse. @468: Like Dale Jr., both Gordon and Burton retain their positions on restarts in the non-preferred groove between 40.00 and 49.99 percent of the time. Denny Hamlin is one of nine Cup drivers with a retainment of 50% or greater. 491. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) I hope the 5, 24, and 88 crews aren't too comfortable in their firesuits. 492. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:34 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Jack "Only I Can Win With Ford" Roush 493. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The first race Chase casualty is Logano. 494. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Montoya was doing his best Kyle Larson impersonation. The difference is JPM should know by now to pit. Johnson's pit crew is so fired. 495. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Landon Cassill got into the left rear of Allgaier's car on the exit of turn 2, causing him to spin out. No damage on the #51 car. 496. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) BoB is back on the lead lap. Now she can charge through the field and show everyone just how talented she is!/sarcasm 497. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) So, why exactly is Logano still on track? He's trailing smoke all over the place. 498. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Jack "Only I Can Win With Ford" Roush" I think Jack cheers a little inside when a non-Roush Ford has issues. 499. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:38 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Is Joey seriously going to try to gut it out until it completely blows up? 500. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And now we've got a wreck fest. 501. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's a Funny Car fire!! 502. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) As soon as they restart the race, Cole Whitt's engine blows up in flames. 503. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cole Whitt ends his night in a blaze of glory. 504. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cole Whitt just up in flames, fortunately he got it stopped and climbed out okay. 505. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like the #48 crew's jack wasn't working properly, causing the bad pit stop. Cole Whitt's first race in the #30 Swan Racing car just went up in flames. 506. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Apparently the 48 broke a jack. 507. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Any bets when Chad is gonna kidnap either the 24, 88 or 5's pit crew? My money's on the next scheduled pit stop. 508. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Nevermind, Whitt blew up. I thought I saw a car sideways when they first showed it. 509. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (4) (1) We may have yet another curfew shortened race. And Gordon is leading. Flashback. 510. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Is Joey seriously going to try to gut it out until it completely blows up? Cole's car going out is a position/point. 511. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Unfortunately they don't use TRD engines... 512. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Man rookie drivers are having some serious problems tonight! 513. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) Does a #48 pit crew swap with either the #88,24,5 include the Crew Chief too? One can only dream Jimmie gets stuck with Alan Gustafson. 514. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "We may have yet another curfew shortened race." There is no curfew in Joliet, IL. 515. Rexrobe posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The whole track is going to stink for a while... those engines smell terrible when they go south. 516. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "We may have yet another curfew shortened race. And Gordon is leading. Flashback." Don't tempt NASCAR, DSFF.... 517. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:42 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) With all the crap that's been on the track today, I think it's fair to say that this is the best race that Brett Bodine has ever drove. 518. Scott. B posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cole Whitt grenades the 30's engine big time. This race will never end. 519. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Does a #48 pit crew swap with either the #88,24,5 include the Crew Chief too? One can only dream Jimmie gets stuck with Alan Gustafson." Hell, hopefully they bring back Tony Eury Jr and he gets stuck with him. 520. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Brett Bodine's storied Cup career just gets better and better as the years go by. He leads more laps each and every year. 521. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) That was a pretty awesome move made by Kyle Busch on that restart. The outside lane couldn't go (the lane in which he restarted), and yet he still gained about 6-7 positions. And just in case you're wondering, he is one of nine Cup drivers with a non-preferred groove restart position retainment of 50% or greater (I think his exact ranking is 3rd, behind Kenseth and Kurt). 522. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Johnson honestly would probably love the chance to shut up the "Johnson is nothing without Knaus" crowd. 523. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:46 pm Rate this comment: (1) (3) Congrats to Ripple Effect for leading and probably winning the Brian France 400, and then later on winning the Jeff Gordon Cup. Though I will say, tonight's wrestling match has been better than many others this season. 524. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:46 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Joey Logano you are the definition of an imbecile. 525. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:47 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Brett Bodine hasn't run his best race today, that honor belongs to Michael McDowell who virtually said forget this and GTFOed out of Joliet, Illinois near the beginning of the race. 526. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) According to Cole Whitt, the car jumped out of gear from 4th to 3rd, causing the motor to over-rev and then detonate. Hopefully he'll have better luck in that car over the next nine races. 527. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kyle Busch looks like the fastest car now with the night conditions. 528. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kyle Busch to second. Will the sweep end up happening? There's a good chance of it. 529. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Brian Vickers has problems. 530. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:49 pm Rate this comment: (4) (1) Pinball Riggers to pitroad. 531. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:49 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) TuRD strikes again. 532. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I know that I shouldn't take @Nascarcasm seriously but he's been making all sorts of 100% jokes is Kyle running a damn good car? or is actually giving 100% 533. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:50 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) I guess The Ripple Effect needed a point. Our first chase TuRD failure. 534. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:50 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Kyle Busch to second. Will the sweep end up happening? There's a good chance of it." Oh damn. I didn't even think of that. We'll never hear the end of this from BSPN if it happens. 535. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Looks like Brian Vickers' day is done, as the car was losing oil pressure and engine power. Shame, he was in 2nd place on that restart. Logano's car is no longer trailing smoke, but he is VERY slow. 536. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:51 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) If the 22 team thinks they can run minimum speed they're dreaming. 537. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Damn, how many cautions are we going to have? 538. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:52 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Debris caution for tape? 539. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The recipient of the TuRD weekly special is Brian Vickers... poetic justice. 540. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I was about to say Paper towel= caution tape= let 'em race 541. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Ugh. This race is never gonna end. 542. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "We'll never hear the end of this from BSPN if it happens." Not only that, but the Chicago winner from the past two seasons (since it became the first race in the Chase) has gone on to win the championship. 543. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) There's a big mess in the pits. 544. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Can't believe Logano got the free pass. 545. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Not to mention that BSPN (or Dale Jarrett, at least) picked Kyle to win the championship. 546. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:55 pm Rate this comment: (1) (4) 88 hit the 7 on pit road. Coming back down pit road. Everybody could avoid the 7 but him for some reason. Refuse To Not Finish 28th 547. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Does that count as an integrity caution or legitimate? 548. BON GORDON posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bad call on team 24's part. I would've at least taken two tires. They got a great car but old tires won't help. 549. cjs3872 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:56 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Not that it matters, NLA. With two dead cylinders, he'll barely be able to maintain minimum speed, not that NASCAR enforces the minimum speed rule the way they should. 550. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's obvious the 7 is trying to help out Ryan Newman and SHR. He hurt about three Chase contenders in one swipe down pit road. 551. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Right Paul, if Kyle wins BSPN will taut his date with "history" Now that BoB has been found, where is Marty Reid? 552. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Biffle stayed out to get up front. 553. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:58 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Also, Joey is smoking again. 554. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:58 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Unbelievable how they haven't black flagged the 22 yet. Gordon has a problem on the restart. 555. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Yes! 556. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Gordon has a flat tire on the restart. 557. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Hows that no tire stop working out for you Gordon.... 558. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Left rear down, he was lapped by the time he got to his stall 559. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wile E. Coyote Ladies and Gentlemen, Wile E. Coyote. 560. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) This also seals the win for Kyle, unless he has a TuRD moment. 561. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Finally! 562. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Everybody could avoid the 7 but [Dale Earnhardt, Jr.] for some reason." Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick had issues getting around Dave Blaney on pit road too. You know what could have prevented that flat tire on Gordon's car? Making a tire change during the caution. And now Logano's car has blown up. 563. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) The 7 is not giving 100% in the pits. 564. JRacingFast posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (5) (1) *This is the race that never ends, Yes it goes on and on my friend, We went green after an our and change rain delay, then the rain came agaaaaaaaaaaain HEY HEY HEY!, Then 5 and a half hours later we went back green only to have caution after caution after caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaution! ......yes yes yes one day this race will end.....* Sorry this is what a long day of drinking will get you 565. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Logano's engine finally gives up on him. 566. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) THIS RACE WILL NEVER END! 567. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Of course... now every lead lap car will pit, and Gordon will take a wavearound and continue on like nothing happened! 568. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Why the HELL was Logano still out there? Should have been black flagged when he was rolling around smoking earlier. 569. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Biffle takes a 24th place car and stays out and gets cleaner air and is bullet fast. And Logano has detonated now. 570. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Isn't Gordon two laps down? 571. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Isn't Gordon two laps down?" Doesn't look like it. 572. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All right, I was WAY off. 573. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "now every lead lap car will pit, and Gordon will take a wavearound and continue on like nothing happened!" Yeah, and he'll restart about 30 positions worse than he did before the flat tire. 574. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kasey Kahne is overheating as well. How many more engine failures are we going to see tonight? 575. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:05 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) The curious thing is Biffle has been notoriously bad over the years at Chicagoland. Clean air can solve many issues like Biffle here and Mark Martin at Michigan until the fuel cell ran dry. 576. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:06 pm Rate this comment: (2) (11) Come on Brian, your buddy needs some help, rescue him again! 577. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All Hendrick cars have experienced trials and tribulations tonight. mmmmmm 578. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:07 pm Rate this comment: (3) (6) I hope all the Hendrick cars blow up! 579. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:07 pm Rate this comment: (8) (0) I don't know about you but I am really sick and tired of this clean air is king crap something needs to be done to improve the racing at the 1.5-2.5 mile tracks. 580. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:11 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I honestly hope every chaser has problems tonight and finish as worse as possible and we have a top 10 consisting of only non-chasers. 581. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Come on Brian, your buddy needs some help, rescue him again!" Let's hope so. 582. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Lets start by putting the roof strip and wicker bill from the 2000 Winston 500 onto the race cars. 583. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Rubberband man!" - Wild as the Taliban? from the mouth of the poet Tip "T.I." Harris, "Who I'm is?" 584. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Oh god. The Nap-Time Nightmare Mobile has come to life.... 585. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:14 pm Rate this comment: (2) (5) You KNOW a caution will put Ripple Effect back on the lead lap. 586. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Carls ego give that ford a great deal of extra weight. And there comes JJ, he just put on his cape and tights. The lone Hendricks car in the top ten. 587. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:15 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Keselowski sure is dropping back rapidly. 588. Bro Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:15 pm Rate this comment: (3) (5) 88 already out of Chase contention. He was thick in the hunt for .5 races! 589. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) will ESPN tell us why Keselowski is dropping back?, naw lets talk Danica having a surprising 20th place run... 590. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:17 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) "88 already out of Chase contention. He was thick in the hunt for .5 races!" At least he made it in, Sis. 591. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Side by side view means back to the sanfran/ Seattle game.5 to 0 Seattle 592. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:20 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Just what we need at a midnight race, a big helping of dos jotas. 593. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) When you've got a guy adjusting his line every lap depending on the line of the guy he's trying to pass and still going just as fast, that's not car, that's driver. I know a lot of you would rather be struck dead than say something good about Johnson, but I don't see how anyone can deny the man's obvious talent. 594. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:21 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) 48 is just insanely fast right now. 595. Loose Lugnuts posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:21 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I see that ESPN's love affair with the 48 team continues unabated. 596. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:22 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Michael Waltrip must've hooked Jimmie Johnson up with some of his rocket fuel...His car is shockingly fast. 597. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:22 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) The 48 is flat flying right now. 598. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I dont think i have ever said he cant drive, but i really dont think he is the best out there, that would be, whether i like him or not, Jeff Gordon 599. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I know a lot of you would rather be struck dead than say something good about Johnson, but I don't see how anyone can deny the man's obvious talent." I got a pair of autographs from him in the mail back in 2006. His ability at Martinsville, Dover and Darlington proves he's a hell of a driver. 600. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Biffle just said he's blowing up. Ford's potentially second engine failure tonight. 601. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Biffle says his car is blowing up. How many more will fall before the night is over? 602. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I see that ESPN's love affair with the 48 team continues unabated." Well, ESPN is going to be forced to switch horses from the 18 to the 48. 603. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:26 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Fords night for boom! 604. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:27 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) "Kyle Busch-is this his year?" BSPN certainly hopes so. 605. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Meanwhile, the Vulture is slowly creeping forward. 606. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) JJ 13.6 second pit 607. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) 12 to 0 Seattle 608. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) is a Hendrickcars.com car essentially an unsponsored car? 609. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jimmie Johnson is definitely going to have an all new pit crew come New Hampshire. 610. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) No conspiracy here, but VERY huge gift for Gordon from his teammate Junior. 611. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Another one bites the dust 612. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "12 to 0 Seattle" did they show up? 613. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Dale Jr blows up and spins. Okay Bro Jackson, NOW he's in a pretty deep hole. 614. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Dale Junior blows up and spins out. Bro Jackson must be seething with anger right now. 615. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:31 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Dale Jr. blew up. Big break for Jeff Gordon. 616. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:32 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) One Hendrick time bomb goes off... 617. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:32 pm Rate this comment: (5) (0) "is a Hendrickcars.com car essentially an unsponsored car?" Yes, but a Time Warner Cable car isn't. 618. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (3) He must of hit the detonator. (conspiracy) 619. Troll Jackson posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:32 pm Rate this comment: (3) (3) Yay, I'm so happy. 620. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:33 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) How ironic that Junior's car blew up right in front of Clint Bowyer. 621. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:33 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Yeah, this is a huge break for Gordon. 622. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Now Matt Kenseth reportedly might have engine issues. 623. DB1995 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Conspiracy!!!!, kidding of course. 624. Mr X posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Is it just me or did the 88 team just block off the entire grille on their most recent stop? Because that was weird. Both the upper and lower grille look blocked off. Hmmm. 625. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Pow! What is this conspiracy, Jr. blows up to help the 48 team recover lost track position with a caution and benefiting Gordon? Sarcasm of course. 626. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) There's another car out there trailing smoke. Looks like it could be Timmy Hill. Damn, they are just popping them like firecrackers tonight. 627. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Will anyone else lose an engine? These motors are taking a beating in the cooler temperatures. 628. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:35 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Is it just me or did the 88 team just block off the entire grille on their most recent stop? Because that was weird. Both the upper and lower grille look blocked off. Hmmm." That probably has a lot to do with blowing up (says Captain Obvious). 629. luigistarted06 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jeff Gordon may just have the fastest car out there. It'll be interesting to see what he can do in about 35 laps. 630. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jr did so much better in the #8 Budweiser chevy. 631. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Mr X, I'm pretty sure that piece had an opening for the grill. 632. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) Boy, its getting to the point we shouldn't announce our conspiracies lest we want to be confused with NASCAR fan conspiracy theorists the New York Times, Washington Post, and all the other mainstream online newspaper blogs have us pegged as. 633. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Now Matt Kenseth reportedly might have engine issues." Don't forget that Biffle might also have an engine problem. So I don't think we're done with this engine stuff tonight. 634. The Long Shot posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Never mind what I said about Kenseth. MRN initially reported that Kenseth's oil temperatures were high, but they have since retracted that statement. 635. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:42 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Allgaier again. 636. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jeff Gordon is flat flying out there. 637. David posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Allgaier spins again after getting into Menard. 638. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:42 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Allgaier spins out yet again. Rough debut for him. 639. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yet another caution for a single car spin before anyone even knows if they can recover or not. 640. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Little Gator yet again. 641. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) The 51 is a Hendrick car, right? 642. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) 51 working for somebody's advantage 643. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Man, considering what happend to him earlier, this race is playing into Jeff Gordon's hands pretty nicely. Up to 10th. 644. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Good run for Stenhouse tonight. With the possibility of earning his first two top ten finishes in back-to-back weeks, it looks like he and the #17 team have finally gotten the hang of this Gen6 race car. 645. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What was that all about with the 18, 20, and 29? 646. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:45 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "What was that all about with the 18, 20, and 29?" I was wondering the same... 647. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Holy hell. The Closer is sneaking up towards the front. 648. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I thought about posting this can you imagine if it was a championship battle between the 39 and the 29? 649. Rubberband man! posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:46 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) Who is tired of the zombie commercial? 650. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:47 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) @647: *The Vulture. 651. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This... 605. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:28 pm Rate this comment: Meanwhile, the Vulture is slowly creeping forward. 652. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:47 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What a shock, there are some people leaving comments on NASCAR.com's live leaderboard saying that Junior intentionally blew his engine to help out Gordon. Why the hell do I even read these comments in the first place? Am I masochistic? 653. OldSchoolNascarDude1 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The 18 and 20 turned their engines off and didn't maintain speed, according to the 29 crew. 654. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And according to the replay, he's exactly right. They should have lost their positions. 655. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:49 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) "Who is tired of the zombie commercial?" Still not as overplayed as the TNT marathon of KFC commercials. "MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY! MAC AND CHEESE! I EAT THEM ALL INCLUDING THE BONES!" 656. jabber1990 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:49 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Who is tired of the zombie commercial? " that girl is kinda cute, so its tolerable keyword: kinda 657. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Oh, looks like the 18 and 20 weren't maintaining speed, so Harvick just decided to go by them. It didn't work, but I think that was kind of a smart move on Kevin's part. 658. TS1420 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:50 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) King Cookie Cutter to the lead.... 659. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:51 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) By far the best Cup race I've seen Stenhouse drive. 660. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:51 pm Rate this comment: (1) (2) Personally, the most irritating current commercial for me is that GEICO commercial with the camel. "GUESS WHAT DAY IT IS?!" Urgh, even typing that made me cringe a little. GEICO definitely has the worst commericals out there. 661. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Mr. Bad Luck with another problem. 662. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Latest TuRD = Denny Hamlin 663. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Denny Hamlin off the pace, his terrible year continues. 664. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:52 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Why isn't there a pool on "What problem will Hamlin have this week?"? 665. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Denny Hamlin is now off the pace. Damn, another one bites the dust. 666. Schroeder51 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Denny Hamlin is Joe Gibbs' R&D driver this year. 667. JG24FanForever posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 13th consecutive finish outside the Top 15 for Hamlin. 668. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @659: Stenhouse led 26 laps at Kansas earlier this season. Engine failure for Denny Hamlin. 669. Eric posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:53 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) If this race was a 500 mile race, there would be even more engines blowing up. 670. murb posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Stenhouse led 26 laps at Kansas earlier this season." Forgot about that, just like how I forget about all races at Kansas. 671. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I keep expecting Hamlin will break out and have one more top 5 finish this year... it might not happen at this rate. 672. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:55 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I was hoping the guys who came for tires at the last caution would be making some ground up, but King Air rules again. 673. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If this were a 500 mile race, perhaps a quarter of the field would experience overheating or engine related issues. 674. joey2448 posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I don't know if it's the attrition or what, but I've quite enjoyed this race (other than the rain delay). Good racing throughout. What do you guys think? 675. Paul posted: 09.15.2013 - 11:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Forgot about that, just like how I forget about all races at Kansas." You forgot about Kansas, but you remembered Chicago? 676. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) At least Chicago is unique. The only straight sections of track are entering and exiting the tri-oval. 677. The Long Shot posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (2) (2) Kenseth wins! 678. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "You forgot about Kansas, but you remembered Chicago?" It must be the curve in the backstraightaway, lol. 679. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (5) (0) And Matt Kenseth wins the 12 Hours of Chicago. 680. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) Win #6 of the year for Kenseth. Could it be his year? 681. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) ... umm, what exactly did Kenseth say "thank you Kyle" for? 682. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Matt is now the 22nd cup driver ever to get 30 career cup wins and is now 2 cup wins away from tying Dale Jarrett with 32 career cup wins. 683. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) Kenseth becomes the first #1 seed to win the Chase opener since Mark Martin in 2009. 684. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (3) (1) Glad to see Kenseth win though. Really hope the TuRD engine doesn't screw him out of a well deserved championship this year. 685. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) My troll sucks. I want one as good as DSFF's. 686. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) Way da go Matt! 687. TS1420 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:02 am Rate this comment: (4) (6) Good race, could have done without Kenseth winning though. 688. JG24FanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:03 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) The first driver since 2010 to win 6 races in a season, with still 9 races to run. 30th career win for Matt! 338th career Top 6 finish for Gordon. 689. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:03 am Rate this comment: (3) (4) I'm actually slightly baffled by the fact my comment on the commercial I found most annoying got a thumbs down. Does somebody genuinely think the camel is funny? Anyways, Kyle's attempt at the clean sweep comes up short. Gordon comes home in sixth. 690. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:04 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Kyle Busch comes up one position short of completing the Chicagoland weekend sweep. 691. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:05 am Rate this comment: (3) (7) Hopefully, the Chicago winner goes on to win the Chase streak continues this year. A second Kenseth championship would lessen the blow of the 2013 season, if only slightly. 692. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:06 am Rate this comment: (17) (20) Congrats to Dale Jr. for becoming the first driver to ever finish 13th in a Chase. But seriously if/when he does finish last, he will be the first driver to ever finish last in a Chase on three separate occasions. 693. Rubberband man! posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:07 am Rate this comment: (0) (2) Yay JGR top 2! 694. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:08 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) I know it's only one race, but I think it's safe to say Logano and Earnhardt are out of it. 695. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:09 am Rate this comment: (2) (3) I'm ecstatic at the fact that Gordon finished 6th after that flat tire with about 90 laps to go, but I can't help but feel that he left one position on the table. He had several opportunities to pass Jimmie Johnson when they were side-by-side, including on the restart and then again for several laps with less than 10 laps to go, but couldn't get that one extra point. I'm not suggesting that he rolled over for his teammate (In fact, I noticed that Johnson actually raced Gordon HARDER than he did Kurt Busch when he tried getting 4th place.), but that's a position that I feel he let slip away. 696. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:10 am Rate this comment: (3) (3) Congrats to Kenseth. Rather him win than Ripple Effect. 697. BON GORDON posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:10 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Happy that Gordon got a sixth place finish but I really wanted more. He needs to start getting Top five finishes a little more. Tire failure cost him a chance to win. Good race but it's very hard to pass there. If Kenseth can work on consistency a little bit more he can win this title. Jimmie and Kyle Busch will be his main competition for sure. Jr. and Logano are in BIG holes after this race. 698. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:11 am Rate this comment: (0) (13) Guys, that troll is back again... 699. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:13 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) @695: It can't just be that Johnson outraced him for it? They were alongside each other for several laps and neither gave the other any room, Johnson just came out of it in front. I didn't see anything that would suggest Gordon let it slip away. 700. Anonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:13 am Rate this comment: (2) (6) Paul, I always say to myself. Why does Jimmie Johnson race Jeff Gordon harder than any other drivers he raced against? Or is it just me? 701. Sector posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:15 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) ^Oops, forgot to put my name in. Post 700 was me. 702. Rubberband man! posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:15 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) ESPN will post the top twelve, I mean 13 then Danicas finishing position? 703. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:17 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) I am curious as to why Dale Jr. has four engine failures this season, and if my math is correct, Ripple Effect/Johnson/Kahne have a combined 0? Is that just how they set up the cars as far as engineering, or what? 704. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:18 am Rate this comment: (4) (1) Both Tommy Baldwin Racing cars finished inside the top 25 for the 4th time this season, and the first time on an intermediate track (Daytona 1, Pocono 2, and Bristol 2 were the other three races.). 705. joey2448 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:18 am Rate this comment: (1) (3) I think Kenseth has the Gordon Gene....When it's time to go, and a victory's within reach, he just has another gear. 706. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:19 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Congrats to Matt. Had to miss from that red debris caution to the end cause I was on a call. Bit don't worry, I got to wreck my back and get blood on my shirt. Good times. 707. Sky Warrior posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (3) Gonna watch NASCAR Now Presented by 5 Hour Energy put their own spin on the race then I'm off to bed 708. JG24FanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) "I am curious as to why Dale Jr. has four engine failures this season, and if my math is correct, Ripple Effect/Johnson/Kahne have a combined 0? Is that just how they set up the cars as far as engineering, or what?" That's June Bugs style. Johnson had one blown engine during his 5 straight title's from 2006-2010. I was at that race too. 2008 World 600. 709. Sector posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (4) (8) Hope Matt Kenseth can keep the streak alive to 3 straight years of the first chase race winner to go on to win the championship! 710. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:21 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) Style? I really am curious about this. How does one driver on a team have so many failures, but the others don't? I'll bash the guy for mistakes but when your power plant farts out like it's a Toyota, who takes the blame in all seriousness? 711. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:22 am Rate this comment: (0) (4) "It can't just be that Johnson outraced him for it?" That's precisely what I'm saying. Gordon was able to race side-by-side with Johnson for several laps, but ultimately couldn't complete the pass, despite having fresher tires. Plus, he made a move to pass him on the restart, but lifted and allowed Johnson to pull away by about 0.7 seconds before catching him again. So yeah, I do think Gordon let 5th place slip away. 712. JG24FanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:23 am Rate this comment: (2) (3) Bro Jackson, I meant he's rough on the engines is all. 713. Sky Warrior posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:25 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) Apparently someone doesn't appreciate Clint Menard puns, or equally as likely some troll has written a thumbs down script like scammers on YouTube use, or someone just decided to click the red button on every comment regardless of what it says. Oh well, it matters not 714. BON GORDON posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:25 am Rate this comment: (1) (3) Honestly I've said for years that Johnson races Gordon harder than anyone else. It's probably all in my head though. Today's race proved that Gordon and team #24 have improved on their intermediate track program a bunch. On Friday morning I could have never pictured Jeff being higher than 13th in points. It's crazy to see him up to 7th. 715. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:26 am Rate this comment: (4) (4) "Bro Jackson, I meant he's rough on the engines is all." Ah. Fair enough. But how, as in being too hard on the gears? I recall him having great luck with motors from 2000-06, then since the CoT came along he's been Grenade City for his last year of TEI and then Hendrick*. My guess has been that his engineers have been really power-hungry (in engine terms) and are asking for too much out of them. That would explain Smith blowing a motor at Charlotte last fall in the 88. 716. DB1995 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:29 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) Good day for Brad, they have had 3 fast cars the last 3 big tracks and tonight got a finish they deserve 717. JRacingFast posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:30 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) In honor of this race ending just after midnight for those of you on the East Coast....Lets end this race day with a little Eric Clapton! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvxJ0TVvVzE 718. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:31 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) It really does no good to point out that we're being trolled; all he/she/they will do is just thumb us down into oblivion. That thumbs down is a source of power to them...Might as well just ignore and move on. On a relevant note, seven cars (Cole Whitt, Brian Vickers, Joey Logano, David Reutimann, Dale Jr., Timmy Hill, and Denny Hamlin) had engine failures tonight. How many more cars would have had mechanical woes had there been another 100 miles? It would have been interesting to see... On a whole, I actually didn't think this was a bad race, but it does aggravate me seeing how important track position was and how big of an issue aero-push was-as always. 719. Sky Warrior posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:34 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Engines are what happened to Hill and Reuti? I had no idea, because of course BSPN would never mention that something happened to them unless it had an impact on the race like Cole Whitt's engine did 720. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:35 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) @703: Johnson had an engine failure at Michigan last month. Also, Junior had 0 engine failures between race #29 of 2009 to race #12 of 2013, and he won just one race in that time frame. Why should HMS continue giving their "indestructible" engines to a driver who can't win? 721. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:35 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) I know for sure Hill had an engine problem because I saw the #32 car trailing smoke out the tail pipes under the caution for Jr.'s engine failure. Not 100% sure on Reutimann, we'll see when the race results are up. (All the broadcast mentioned was him going to the garage.) 722. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:36 am Rate this comment: (4) (2) I did a bit of research on Hendrick engine failures since the start of the 2008 season. I may have missed one here or there because I just did it hurriedly, but here are the results: Total failures by car No. 5 (Mears/Martin/Kahne) 3 engine failures No. 24 (Gordon) 5 engine failures No. 48 (Johnson) 5 engine failures No. 88 (Earnhardt/Smith) 9 engine failures 723. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:38 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) Kenseth looks like he is going to start crying on NASCAR NOW. I'm so happy for him. He seems so happy at Gibbs. 724. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:40 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) Notice I counted the "overheating" DNF Junior had in 2011 as an engine failure because, well, overheating is essentially the same thing. I'd count it the same for any driver. My point is, something's happened that keeps the 88 team from getting its engines to the finish. He also complained at Indy that the engine was laying down late, and again, super-sub Regan Smith had his engine blow up early at Charlotte last year. I believe it's partially caused by the fact the engineers/Letarte/Junior want max HP, and they pay the price. It's not as much a conspiracy as it is their preference, I think. 725. AveryNH posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:41 am Rate this comment: (0) (4) So I caught the first bit of the race on the tube. Had to work at 5 tho. So I Drove to work and listened on mrn and just as I was shutting off my car they said it was raining and would be red flagged. So I get home at just past midnight. And as luck would have it the race just ended. I'm avoiding twitter, reading these colorful comments and refreshing the results on this site as I'm waiting till the 1:30 (probably later) reair on espn2. Soo NO SPOILERS!! 726. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:43 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) Sky Warrior, I can tell you that I only knew of Reutimann's engine failure because I am subscribed to his Facebook page, and get updates whenever he or his PR person make a status (Which is quite often, especially on race day.). I only knew of Timmy Hill's engine failure because of Schroeder51's comment in post #626. I did however like the fact that ESPN interviewed Cole Whitt after his engine failure, so they're not entirely resistant to interviewing smaller team drivers (although the fact that his car went aflame was probably their main reason for interviewing him). 727. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:44 am Rate this comment: (5) (1) "Soo NO SPOILERS!!" Congrats to Casey Mears on an incredible upset win. I knew it would come down to gas mileage. Whoops! 728. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:45 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) "Notice I counted the "overheating" DNF Junior had in 2011 as an engine failure because, well, overheating is essentially the same thing." Unless of course the overheating DNF came as a result of a crash, which is exactly what happened to Junior at Sonoma 2011. 729. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) "Unless of course the overheating DNF came as a result of a crash, which is exactly what happened to Junior at Sonoma 2011." It should be listed as "crash," and not "overheating," then on the site. 730. StenhouseFan17 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:57 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) Another top 10 for RSJ. Making progress! 731. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:59 am Rate this comment: (2) (3) Stenhouse now has more top 10 finishes this season than his girlfriend does. 732. Newt posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:04 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Sponsor Update: #95: SK Hand Tools 733. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:06 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) @729: Dale Jr. completed six more laps after his crash at Sonoma in 2011 before he retired from the race. It wasn't the crash itself that took him out of the race, but rather his car overheating as a result of the damage that came from that crash. His "status" for that particular race is correct as is. 734. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:06 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) AveryNH you say no spoilers, but why don't you just watch the race first and then read the comments on here? 735. Mr X posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:09 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) All the engine failures Dale Jr has experienced since joining HMS have also come at tracks legitimately hard on motors, a 500 mile race in Fontana and the Brickyard 400 in 2009, Sonoma in 2011, though being a road course there are many other factors involved, and the 600, Michigan, and tonight in 2013. Outside of those issues the #88 has arguably been the most reliable car out of the HMS stable, and the have had a fantastic record of finishing races. Also amazing to note that in his first year out of the Roush Fenway stable Matt Kenseth with 9 races still left to run, has already beaten his previous season best win total. Jack Roush must clearly be following the Richard Childress Racing circa 2012 team model. Pretty good race overall, there was a decent amount of passing, several cars, some more then once were able to cut through the field. Going to have to go back and look at that patch they put on Dale Jr's car, I don't remember seeing an opening but SpeedWorld97 does. 736. BON GORDON posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:10 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Random thought but I love that one 2013 Chase for the Cup commercial where JJ is walking down pit road towards his car. As he walks down He looks to his left and there's Cale Yarborough, then walks a little further and Richard Petty is standing on pit road by his STP Chevy, then the last driver he walks past is Dale Sr. standing next to his Goodwrech Chevy. As Johnson climbs into his car both Petty and Earnhardt stare off at him into the distance. Love that commercial. Gives me chills every time I see it. But like always poor David Pearson is left out. Arguably the greatest NASCAR driver of all-time and one of the most unappreciated too. 737. StenhouseFan17 posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:11 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) @731 And for that I am thankful. 738. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) "My point is, something's happened that keeps the 88 team from getting its engines to the finish. He also complained at Indy that the engine was laying down late, and again, super-sub Regan Smith had his engine blow up early at Charlotte last year. I believe it's partially caused by the fact the engineers/Letarte/Junior want max HP, and they pay the price. It's not as much a conspiracy as it is their preference, I think." Usually I disagree with everything you say about Dale Jr, Bro Jackson, but this is exactly it. However, what happened tonight can be the result of the pit road incident, because ever since that happened, his performance went from top 10 to top 25. It just goes to show how important aerodynamics are on these 1.5 mile tracks, because if that happened on a short track like Martinsville he would have been able to continue on just fine. The other thing is that he and Logano have to pretty much go the rest of the season without a bad race, because they say a driver can only have one bad chase race if they want to contend for a title, and this has been it for them. 739. Jim Davis posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:24 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) "But like always poor David Pearson is left out. Arguably the greatest NASCAR driver of all-time and one of the most unappreciated too." Perhaps he was asked but declined? Some drivers (and other athletes in other sports) just prefer to step completely out of the spotlight when they retire except for really special occasions like being inducted into a Hall of Fame. 740. ledskynyrd318 posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:29 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) I hate Toyota but I hope Kenseth wins it all just to show the Ass in the Hat just how big letting him go for Danica's Boyfriend was. 741. Scott. B posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:43 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) It was a good solid race by Ricky, this is what I've been hoping to see from him late in the season. Danica's finish was also a little better than her season average, but Lucky Dogs and unusually high attrition through engine failures had a lot to do with that. Tough race for the other official rookie (Hill) and the pre-rookies (Allgaier and Whitt). 742. b4il3y posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:16 am Rate this comment: (1) (4) Btw.. Kenseth will win this :) Just telling you guys :) 743. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) #30 sponsor: Swan Energy (Lean1 was just an associate) #33 sponsor: Circle Sport (the standard blank blue-and-white car) 744. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) #88 sponsor: Time Warner Cable/Hendrickcars.com 745. AveryNH posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:13 am Rate this comment: (4) (0) Welp the re air concluded with no victory lane interview, they just cut D.J. off mid sentence and went to the yanks-sawks game I listened to on the radio at work. A few thoughts: The engine enigma. It was interesting watching such a variety of teams struggle with engine issues. They edited around Logano's troubles but I read about them on here. Also they didn't show whitt grenading his engine, which I bet looked quite scary. This is Matt Kenseth's championship to lose. He was the top seed and if not for TRD engines woulda won the regular season. The only thing holding him back is his engines. He's got the car, the ability and the drive, all he needs is luck, particularly at dega. Finally I say we make Chicago a day to night race. Screw Sunday night baseball. Bump that ish to espn2. This avoids daytime nfl conflicts for bears fans and obviously puts on an interesting show given how the racing was tonight. Obviously there was no real transition tonight. It started in daylight. Rains came. Restarted at abruptly at night and had crews guessing at how drastically they should alter their setups. All in all an exciting race and I'm really looking forward to going back to Loudon next weekend! Can't wait! 746. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:22 am Rate this comment: (0) (7) " 698. Schroeder51 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:11 am Rate this comment: (0) (13) Guys, that troll is back again... " Yup, and he closed the browser and came back in THIRTEEN F-ING TIMES to thumbs down you for calling him out Schroeder. Seriously, though, we should all know it's not polite to talk about the mentally ill, right? Unfortunate 747. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:29 am Rate this comment: (1) (7) I don't think anyone has mentioned that this is the first time Kenseth has won at least 6 races in one year. 748. BON GORDON posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) No...Yarborough, Petty, and Earnhardt all look CGI to me....Here's the commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSBKr21HSbs 749. Daniel posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Denny Hamlin applause for nothing but saying we ran like shi+ and mrn do not apologize to me for that 750. Anonomys posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sponsor Update: #40: Hilman Racing/Circle Sport Racing (Mike Hilman and Joe Falk are working together on this car) 751. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:01 am Rate this comment: (0) (4) Seriously, dude? You have severe psychological issues, and I hope someone sees what you are doing and gets you help. Unlike you, we actually are employed and/or go to school. We have a life to lead. Get off your useless @$$ and actually go to the employment agency. Walk into Wal-Mart. Hell, go to community college, but do something besides lead yourself down the path that people normally embark when they either get into illegal drugs or the underworld. Don't let this happen to you. Get up out of your armchair quarterback position and make yourself a success in this world! 752. Rebel posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:02 am Rate this comment: (0) (5) "Kenseth looks like he is going to start crying on NASCAR NOW. I'm so happy for him. He seems so happy at Gibbs." How can yer be happy fer a gosh durn Toyoter driver? 753. Peter posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:03 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Matt-e-Matt just adding to his already hall of fame caliber career 754. Anonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:16 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Does anyone HONESTLY care so much about being thumbed down, or are they just looking for something to complain about? 755. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:19 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Halitosis prediction: the troll posting as TrollSrFanForever, Troll Jackson, TrollS1420, and other troll names is the same person thumber who is better known the KFC Bone Eater from several weeks ago... which was interesting the same time one of our now regular posters first showed up if that person wishes to proof their innocence... 756. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:20 am Rate this comment: (2) (2) "Does anyone HONESTLY care so much about being thumbed down, or are they just looking for something to complain about? " Nah, right now I'm figuring if I poke him enough he'll screw up and show us his real identity. 757. Baker posted: 09.16.2013 - 10:05 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Real identity 758. Ched Little posted: 09.16.2013 - 10:58 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Baker? Somehow, I'm not even slightly surprised. 759. Paul posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:04 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) Kevin Swindell will drive the #30 Swan Racing Toyota for the next two Cup races at Loudon and Dover. The Loudon race next weekend will be his Sprint Cup Series debut. 760. The Long Shot posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:10 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) Good to see Swindell getting a chance at a Cup ride. Hopefully this will help lead to him getting a full-time Nationwide ride next year, as he's shown quite a bit of talent in that Biagi-Denebaste Racing car. 761. ch posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sponsor Changes: 9 - DeWalt / Stanley Tools (Same for Michigan) 15 - Peak 16 - Post-it / 3M 40 - Circle Sport 42 - Target 762. Baker posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:27 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) Seriously? Have I ever trolled anyone but Jimmie Johnson or Rick Hendrick? How is it that I have a troll when I rarely post on here anymore am not one of the favorite or least favorite posters? 1. I do not have the time to thumbs down anyone 2. I am the one who thumbs up Nico when the whole thumbs down thing first started. 3. I am not smart enough with computers to come up with something that can automatically thumbs down every post. 4. Ched can bite me for thinking it could be me without surprise. Looks like with 9 races to go Darryn Pittman has all but locked up the title. It is a shame too as Shotz has out races him all season but Pittman is gouging to win it all bc he is a better qualifier. Thought Championships were suppose to be about how well you RACED? 763. The Long Shot posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:49 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) I don't know why you even tried to get them to show their identity, NRF. It's obvious that they would have either ignored you or chosen someone else's name, as this troll obviously did. I never really thought for one minute that it was Baker. 764. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:53 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The Mrs was hogging the computer (and probably half the bandwith in my neighborhood) while the race was on/over last night so I'm finally getting here now. Someone, somewhere, was fit to be tied when they were showing the 48 and 24 battle for 5th. Thing is, that was probably the best racing going on. Matty was running away in the clean air, there was a point where 3 cars could have took 2nd (or was that in NASCAR the Game?)but that wasn't much of a battle, it kind of petered out before it got good. Too bad for Jr and Logano. They're not out of it completely, but they have a mountain to climb. Unless half the Chasers get in a wreck at Talladega (cause by Danica, no doubt), they seem systematically eliminated already. You know what's a litte different? Watching a race in Spanish. ESPN 3 didn't have an English link for the race listed (though it was under NASCAR Now as I find out today) so I went with the SPA one. I have limited Spanish skills, so it was kind of cool to here how they call a race, the terminology they use (well, the ones I could understand). They did a lot less babbling on then our regular commentators; they're very to the point. Best part was when Algaier crashed: Loosely translated "ooh ooh ooh We have a car out of control. Justin Algaier." BSPN mentioned that ever since they moved the Chase opener to Chicago, the winner of that race ended up winning the championship. You know, both years, so far. Lol. I'm not really much of a fan of Kenseth, Gibbs or Toyota but it would be better than Johnson winning again. We'll see how this all develops. 9 races to go and a lot could happen. 765. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:57 am Rate this comment: (0) (4) Wow! Montoya going to IndyCar with Team Penske! That'll teach the Chip off the fat block. 766. Rexrobe posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:58 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) I'll admit I was surprised by the Montoya news. I don't think it will be good for him. 767. Baker posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) "I do not have the time to thumbs down anyone, but I DO have time to thumbs up someone" 768. Smiff_2 posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Okaaaay, so with Montoya taking the Penske ride in IndyCar, who's gonna end up in the 78? Burton? 769. Bro Jackson posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:38 pm Rate this comment: (2) (2) Regan Smith could go back to the 78. 770. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 12:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I'd love to see Regan Smith back in the #78 but Jeff Burton's probably the most likely candidate 771. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:13 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Speaking of which, I'm really wondering if this is a good decision for Kurt Busch or not. Since Stewart's been out, Newman's been the only SHR car to even be competitive as Martin's performance isn't all that different from Danica's. How strong is the Hendrick affiliation in actuality? Does it differ really that much from Haas CNC Racing (the former team identity) or MB2's relations with Hendrick? Maybe the team has just appeared to be good because Stewart and Newman are great drivers (I've never been as high on Newman as most, but he's making a believer out of me this year). The expansion to three cars has probably hurt, and it only makes sense that an expansion to four will exponentially increase that. Harvick and Newman will be essentially traded for 2014, so it will be interesting to compare their performances. I see both falling off next year based on what I have seen lately from both teams, and I think Harvick may make the Chase on points (between 7th-10th) with a win, and Newman will be around 13th-15th in points, with the possibility of getting a win and a wild card. Also, if we have been overrating SHR, then what does this mean about Danica? Maybe she's not actually as bad as she has looked? I think it's fair to say those SHR cars aren't nearly as good as Hendrick's as some have tried to make the case for. She's struggled and lacked speed, but a lot of that is definitely due to being a rookie with limited stock car experience. I could actually see her becoming a high teens or low 20s driver within 2-3 years if she stays with stock cars. Similarly, the much more talented Ricky Stenhouse has shown a lot of improvement just over the past two weeks and I think he'll be a solid Chase contender next year. Ever since the switch to the COT chassis (the Gen-6 car is the COT chassis with new bodywork, rookies have been slower to adapt than with the prior chassis, as we just aren't seeing sensational rookies any longer like Stewart in 1999, Harvick in 2001, Johnson and Newman in 2002, and Denny Hamlin in 2006. In fact, we've seen several drivers disappoint in their first season or two such as Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Paul Menard, and Sam Hornish Jr., who have become great drivers (or in Menard and Hornish's cases, proved they belong). /incoherent_rambling 772. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:30 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "better known the KFC Bone Eater from several weeks ago" NO! Don't unleash the name of the beast! By saying his name you have unlocked the spell, and he will be free to roam the Earth once again, unleashing his unholy terror on the pure hearted. 773. Jim Davis posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "No...Yarborough, Petty, and Earnhardt all look CGI to me...." Oh, I agree, but they would still need Pearson's permission. It's possible he didn't want to be a "cartoon". 774. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:57 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) I'll tell you what I'm gonna be looking at for SHR in 2014, how Kurt Busch does in comparison to Harvick. This year Kevin has been driving the #1 RCR car, while Kurt is in a satellite RCR team based in Colorado. If that last restart proved nothing else (other than Kenseth having an underrated set of balls) its the horsepower difference between that 29 and the 78. The Vulture was able to drive right up on the frontstretch and give Kenseth a big push, while Kurt couldn't even think about pushing his brother. Now they will be in equal equipment. If Kurt has indeed matured and is now capable of being on a big budget team with teammates without acting up (looks like he has, but that is admittedly still a question) then he should blow Harvick off the track. And how will The Vulture react to this? He has always been the #1 driver on his teams. His teammates have been Skinner, Jeff Green, Robby Gordon, Johnny Sauter, Dave Blaney, The Ripple Effect, Jeff Burton, The Menarche, and Casey Mears. Of those, Skinner and Sauter and The Menarche are pure bums. Jeff Green, Dave Blaney, and Casey Mears are drivers that just don't have the necessary skill set for Cup. Robby was really talented and could contend for race wins when he kept his head on straight, but that was only 1% of the time. The Ripple Effect was and is pretty much The Vulture Jr, somebody who will not win much, not lead a lot of laps, but will Top 10 you to death, take advantage of late attrition, and get high points finishes purely on consistency. Jeff Burton, prior to his falling off the face of the Earth, was somebody who could contend for championships, was basically Mark Martin Lite, very conservative to a fault. Kevin had issues getting along with pretty much each of them. Now granted there is nobody in the Cup garage he hasn't shown his ass to, but he still has major issues. About the only one he never publicly clashed with The Ripple Effect. Seeing as how he has shown to be as big of an asshole as The Vulture, and seeing as how he was never really a threat on track for Harvick because, as mentioned earlier, his skill set is the same as Harvick's, only less effective. So how will Kevin handle having teammates like Kurt and Tony, people who will scuffle back with you AND are better drivers. Even if Kevin wins the championship this year, look what he will be going to. Kurt also has a championship and Tony has 3, including one for SHR. If Kevin stayed at RCR, he could be the #1 guy, a role which suits him the best. He is THE guy over there. I know Richard's heart is with his grandsons, but Kevin has the chance to get RCR their first title since 1994, their first title with somebody not named Dale Earnhardt, and he would be the conquering hero at RCR. At SHR, even if he wins it all, he will still not be distinguished among Tony and Kurt. And if he doesn't win, he will be a clear #3 there (ironic considering how badly he has wanted away from that number, how the shadow of that #3, what his car was with The Legend, The Intimidator, always made him uneasy). I think he made a big mistake. Granted I have never liked him, but I don't understand the move. 775. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 1:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) BTW, the Earnhardt in that commercial is that guy who shows up at every Martinsville race dressed just like Dale. With the firesuit, big mustache, and big sunglasses. I read an interview with him once, and luckily he said he doesn't think he is is Dale, he just sees it as a tribute to him. Seems like a cool dude. Not sure about Richard and Cale, but Dale is definitely his impersonator. 776. Spen posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:04 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Yay Matt! I've had some odd racing dreams in the past, but I think last night's takes the cake. I was watching a race at Talladega. Montoya had been kicked out of the #42, and Casey Mears was back in it. Oh, and Kurt Busch was running the #54 for KBM. However, he was injured in practice, so filling in for him was.... Carl Long?!?!?!?! Who actually wound up *leading* at one point?!?! Once the race got underway, Junior and Kyle Busch got together, triggering a massive "big one". Junior kept going though, and later lost it on his own to bring out big one #2. After that, there were like 7 cars left on the lead lap. Long and Mears both had engine failures while running second. Then my stream was lost, and I missed the last 30 laps or so. I finally found a new one, just in time to watch a victory lane interview with...... Michael McDowell?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?! According to the replay they showed of the last lap, Brad and Gordon wrecked each other coming down to the white flag, resulting in McDowell, who was a lap down in third, circling around twice to win the race while Gordon tried and failed to limp across the line first. Yeah, that was weird. What is my subconcious trying to tell me? 777. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Here are my Chase standings: 1. Matt Kenseth - 2166 2. Kyle Busch - 2139 3. Jimmie Johnson - 2133 4. Kevin Harvick - 2105 5. Carl Edwards - 2084 6. Kurt Busch - 2075 7. Kasey Kahne - 2068 8. Jeff Gordon - 2051 9. Joey Logano - 2033 10. Ryan Newman - 2033 11. Greg Biffle - 2020 12. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 2019 778. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) Montoya to Penske in IndyCar? Did NOT see that coming. I'm really interested to see how he does. Hopefully this will free up the 78 for Burton now. 779. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:43 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Brad and Gordon wrecked each other coming down to the white flag, resulting in McDowell, who was a lap down in third, circling around twice to win the race while Gordon tried and failed to limp across the line first. Yeah, that was weird. What is my subconcious trying to tell me? " THAT GORDON SUX AND WATCHING HIM FAIL IS ALWAYS FUN! Just kidding. Btw, am I the only one who wouldn't be surprised to see him win the whole damn thing this year? He has always thrived under odd circumstances. This year's chase is one gigantic odd situation. And this second life he has been given after a solid week to lament how he got screwed? I know the Fall has never been overly kind to him, but he did have 1998, and now in Season 21, isn't possible he is due for a 2nd strong closeout? 780. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) For those that wonder why Gordon didn't move up on Jimmie Johnson in that battle for fifth in the closing laps when he nearly had him cleared at last twice, and actually did appear to have him cleared once, it's for a very simple reason. Gordon didn't want to risk taking out two HMS cars at the same time, because if he had tried to move up on Jimmie, that very well could have happened. If it had been a driver from any other team, he would have moved up, but he was not going to take a chance wrecking two HMS cars at once. Gordon has always been of the mindset in such circumstances that if he couldn't win the championship, then he's like to see another HMS car, in this case the #48, win it. I go all the way back to the race at North Wilkesboro in 1996 in which Terry Labonte tied the consecutive starts record, held at that time by Richard Petty, and Gordon was right on his bumper at the end, but decided not to use his bumper and let Terry take the win in that race as a result. But on the other hand, Jimmie has always been of the mindset that the last people he wants to see beat him is his own teammates, so he races his own teammates harder than anyone else, and always has. Plus, when you have two such great champions battling it out, they're going to trust each other more, so they know they can race each other harder. However if they were racing for the win, instead of fifth place, anyone on this board could bet their lives that Gordon would have taken the extra liberty of moving up on Johnson, but he wasn't going to risk it in a battle for fifth place. After all, one point in 't the first Chase race isn't worth wrecking and finishing 30th. And as for all the engine failures. That had to do with one thing, and one thing only, and that is the fact that the engines had been worked for over 160 miles, shut down for over 5 hours, and then run again, harder than they were before, in much cooler conditions. The one thing an engine can't stand is to be run hard, then get stopped for an extended period, and then immediately run had again. That's why there were so many failures. We can blame the Toyota engine failures (11 and 55) on their lack of durability (the #83 does not run TRD engines), which is the main reason I picked Jimmie Johnson to win the Chase, but the engine failure on the #30 car had nothing to do with the engine, as that was actually caused by a gearbox failure, which caused the engine to overrev in the wrong gear, and Ford (#22 and possibly the #16 had the race gone much further) and Chevrolet (#88) also had engine failures. But had the rain not come, I'm not sure there would have been very many engine failures, if any at all. However, if the Toyota teams are going to do experimentation regarding engines during the Chase, they're doing it with the right teams, as the 11 and 55 teams have nothing to lose. As a result, running experimental stuff in those cars is the right thing to do. Also, it appears to me that putting Mark Martin in the #14 car, while sensible if they want to finish races, has backfired on SHR in terms of performance, as I suspected might happen. The reason I suspected there would be a dropoff in performance again has to do with the #55 car. Except for a couple of races, the August race at Michigan being the most obvious, the performance of the #55 car was considerably worse in the races Mark drove it than in the races Brian Vickers has driven it. Even last night, Vickers had gotten himself to second place before his engine went south. I think Tony Stewart may need to seriously consider putting someone like Regan Smith in that car if he drops out of contention for the Nationwide Series title. As long as he was in contention for the NNS title, I was against him driving the #14 car, but if he drops out of contention for the NNS title, which he's dangerously close to doing, then I think Tony should put him in that car to get it more competitive, since it appears Mark may not be able to get it done any more. 781. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I just read that Juan will also reportedly compete in select Cup and NNS events for Penske as well as the full time IndyCar ride. So his schedule will probably be similar to AJ's was this year, only he'll be full time in IndyCar. 782. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.16.2013 - 2:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I never really liked it when people called Stewart-Haas just 2, 3, and now 4 more Hendrick cars. It's true they buy the cars and engines from Hendrick, but it's pretty obvious, to me at least, that Stewart is trying to run the team and set the cars up closer to the way Gibbs runs things. Just my thoughts. I don't think Hendrick has much influence on the way Stewart and Gene Haas run the team at all. 783. The Long Shot posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:05 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Thanks to webmaster for getting rid of that KFC Bone-Eater comment. 784. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Meanwhile, a third piece of today's trifecta of news, after 'Montoya to Penske' and 'Swindell in the Swan car': John Hunter Nemechek will be making his Truck Series debut next month at Martinsville. 785. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:36 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) If that's so murb, then I think we can expect to see Juan Montoya at the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, and other select NASCAR races that don't conflict with the IndyCar schedule. Actually, one man Montoya might have an interest in consulting with would be A.J. Foyt, because his NASCAR schedule might be similar to what Foyt ran from the mid 70s through the 80s. Remember that Foyt would often run NASCAR races before the IndyCar season started, which actually gave him somewhat of an edge over many of the IndyCar stars of his day, because it kept him sharp. Early in the year, it wasn't uncommon to see Foyt run NASCAR races at Riverside and Atlanta (he won at both places), and even Ontario when it was early in the NASCAR season (he won there in 1971 and '72), in addition to running the Daytona 500 each year. And I really believe that gave him an edge on his IndyCar competition early in the season because it kept him sharp, while his competitors (Andretti, Rutherford, Johncock, the Unsers, etc.) had to get back in "racing shape". We may see Montoya do something similar to what Foyt did back then. I still believe Montoya wants to win the Daytona 500 to match Foyt and Mario's accomplishment of winning both race, as well as win the Brickyard 400 to be the first man ever to win two different races at IMS. I do think it's strange that Penske would allow a full-time IndyCar driver to run NASCAR races, since he never even allowed Al Unser, Jr. to do so, and I really think he wanted to try NASCAR again after the 1993 Daytona 500. As far as I know, the last IndyCar driver Penske had that he also ran NASCAR with was Gary Bettenhausen, back when Penske ran the AMC Matadors in the early and mid 70s. 786. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 12345 Dude = Happy again WITH NASCAR Oh My God --- Alternate Universe NASCAR wasn't planning on making any changes to the cups schedule. But now there looking at shaking it up. I've read more than once that Sonoma might be in the Chase next year. Phoenix might be the last race of the season. Road America could get a cup date!!!!!!!!!!! Dover might lose a cup date. (it's spring date) and wait for it DARLINGTON MIGHT GET IT'S LABOR DAY RACE BACK (Atlanta would take Darlington's old May date) WOW.......... Has NASCAR FINALLY woken up? 787. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I don't think Hendrick has much influence on the way Stewart and Gene Haas run the team at all." If they did, then THEY WOULDN'T BE SPONSORED BY OPPOSING OIL COMPANIES!!! Sorry, had to get that out of my system. SHR has definitely been having internal issues this year. Hiring Greg Zipadelli as director of competition, I think, is a major part of it. How valuable is Zipadelli, really? Sure, he won two titles crew chiefing for Tony Stewart, But we all have acknowledged Stewart as one of the greatest talents to ever take the wheel. Look what happened after Stewart left. Zipadelli struggled for three long years with the enigma that was Joey Logano. Logano certainly didn't do a whole lot to help, but you'd think that a two-time champion crew chief could whip him into shape. Now he's been complacently running the competition side of SHR since December 2011. He doesn't have to worry about job security because Stewart believes in him, if only because he worked with him for 10 years. We all point to how bad this year has been for SHR (and it has, make no mistake), but what about 2012? That year was actually not too good, and it coincided with the arrival of Danica Patrick, who has been her own little team obliterator. If it weren't for Stewart's three wins and Newman's one, that season would have been a loss. You can look at the team stats yourself. It's as simple as this: if the cars are running poorly, it reflects badly on the guy in charge. Zipadelli needs to go. 788. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Link to article will be posted when link is approved. No hurry/ not trying to be rude, just when it's approved you'll see proof. 789. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:46 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "NASCAR wasn't planning on making any changes to the cups schedule. But now there looking at shaking it up. I've read more than once that Sonoma might be in the Chase next year. Phoenix might be the last race of the season. Road America could get a cup date!!!!!!!!!!! Dover might lose a cup date. (it's spring date) and wait for it DARLINGTON MIGHT GET IT'S LABOR DAY RACE BACK (Atlanta would take Darlington's old May date)" WHERE did you find this??? 790. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) When I say woken up I would like to see 2 new chase tracks in the chase every year so every track means something. But still this is big! (Just ask Jimmie about Bristol, that's how the drivers think) 791. Sean posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I'll admit I was surprised by the Montoya news. I don't think it will be good for him." I don't think so either. He'll be 38 years old on his Penske return, which is quite old in terms of open wheel, and he's less athletic than most of the current IndyCar drivers as well. Only three of his CART contemporaries are still active full-time (Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves, and Tony Kanaan...can't count Oriol Servia and Alex Tagliani since both of their careers seem to be pretty much over). Franchitti has been unable to figure out the DW12 (besides his 2012 Indy win, he has done just about NOTHING). Kanaan got his long-awaited Indy win, but apart from that has been a non-factor most of the time (but at least in his case we can blame his very shitty equipment). Castroneves, although it looks like he's going to get his long-awaited title, is much slower than he used to be and is only where he is this year because he is showing extreme consistency, something he never had at any previous point in his career. Many other current drivers are faster than him. Montoya was definitely faster than any of those three in CART, but he usually had better cars back then, those drivers have continued to accrue experience with the current IndyCar and he hasn't, and while I think everybody calling JPM fat is a bit wrong (he's athletic compared to most people for sure), he is not athletic compared to guys like Castroneves and Kanaan. And like I said, none of them are all that hot on the general schedule. Even though Franchitti won Indy last year, Kanaan did this year, and Castroneves will probably win the title, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Scott Dixon, Will Power, Simon Pagenaud, and Sebastien Bourdais and Justin Wilson (if they were given anything good to drive) are faster than all those guys (although you can exclude Power on ovals). For that matter, drivers who have had much more recent success have struggled with the new car. A.J. Allmendinger was pretty dominant in Champ Car in 2006 and was AWFUL for Penske on the road courses (although his Indy 500 performance was good) and Sebastien Bourdais won four straight Champ Car titles in 2004-2007, years after Montoya was in the series, and has been maddeningly inconsistent (driving crap though, and I think in equal cars, he'd be faster than Montoya now). In fairness to Montoya, CART had an ASTOUNDINGLY deep field when Montoya was there and Bourdais and Allmendinger were competing against very weak Champ Car fields, but still... I don't think Montoya's gonna suck but I DO think he's going to be a disappointment a la Ryan Briscoe. I'm kind of reminded of Alex Zanardi's 2001 when he came back to CART after his Formula One failure and had a dreadful season hovering around 20th in points all year and getting CREAMED by his teammate Tony Kanaan (who at the time pretty much seemed like a mediocrity but eventually proved he wasn't), then in the first race where he factored for the win at the German Lausitzring, he had his near-fatal crash while leading after completing his final pit stop causing him to lose his legs... I hope something similar doesn't happen to Montoya. Admittedly the current IndyCars are safer than the 2001 CART cars were... They're also slower, but still a return at his age is a bit disconcerting. (And yeah, I know Rubens Barrichello was even older just last season...) Also, Montoya is entering one of the premier rides and Mo Nunn Racing, Zanardi's 2001 team, was mid-pack at best... This caught me by surprise because it looked as if he was going to sign for Andretti and seemed to be rejecting that for the Furniture Row ride. I guess Roger Penske pays more than Michael Andretti does, and this gives him the opportunity to run some random NASCAR races as well. I really didn't expect a 3rd Penske car to emerge after A.J. Allmendinger committed full-time to the #47 next year but I guess Penske feels like it needs 3 cars to compete with Ganassi's 3 and Andretti's 4. It's a big name hiring, but I think there were better choices who were neglected quite honestly (JUSTIN WILSON! Maybe even Josef Newgarden would be faster, at this point...) Montoya, like Zanardi, risks the chance of trashing his IndyCar legacy here (he looks a lot more impressive with a 1-0 record at Indy, even competing against few major drivers, than he would if he ran around like crap for Penske for a few years...) Granted, he WAS the best driver back then, but in a year when a long-retired ESPN announcer won the Cup title... "Hopefully this will free up the 78 for Burton now." Just like I think Penske can do better than Montoya (Wilson), I think the #78 must be able to do better than somebody like Burton. If they were going to pick a Burton, could it be Jeb, please? Regan Smith, Justin Allgaier, James Buescher... I don't know, lots of people who might be able to do better in that car than Jeff Burton. But I'm pretty sure it will be Burton. With regard to SHR, I think the struggle has been due to the drivers, not the cars. Tony Stewart is Jeff Gordon's closest contemporary and he isn't as fast as he was and is also the least athletic driver of his generation. He can't have too many good years left. Ryan Newman was always overrated and only appeared good due to Matt Borland's master strategy plans. Danica Patrick has been mediocre everywhere. Kevin Harvick isn't AS overrated as Newman, but his championship results have usually been better than his actual talent. I think Kurt Busch is OVERWHELMINGLY gonna be the dominant driver there, if they all have equal equipment. DSFF, Harvick signed with SHR LONG before Kurt did, mainly because he's Stewart's buddy. Since Stewart is in decline much like Gordon seems to be, Harvick may be faster than both of them at this point, especially given Stewart's physical condition and his recent injury. He probably figured Stewart was going to make him co-#1, or at worst #2 until Stewart's retirement. I'm not sure Stewart wanted to hire Kurt Busch at all (that was all Haas) and the Kurt hire is the main thing that's going to hold Harvick back. I still think Harvick will do okay, and I think he might beat Stewart (whom I don't think will be all that competitive when he comes back) but Kurt is going to be the star. But Harvick will not match either of their career results. As for Mark Martin in the #14 this year, I'm pretty much reminded of Darrell Waltrip in the #1 subbing for the injured Steve Park, and that's all I'm gonna say about that. 792. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Link to article will be posted when link is approved." Oh, OK. 793. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Links to sites have to be approved by the admins of the site before they are posted. But you can go to MikeMulhern .net And then go to Pit Bull's Daily Briefing (on top of site)] This site almost always has breaking news before other sites (even before Jayski) 794. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) yeah I should of just said that first what I posted in the last comment. Sorry to re-peat myself I didn't see you re-posted. I'm telling you though I'm really excited. 795. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Um, cjs, how do you explain Spring Martinsville 2007 (Epic Johnson-Gordon Duel I)? He caved his entire front grille in on that last corner. I was there, he knocked the shit out of him. And then at high speed 2010 Texas, he gave JJ a slick bump and run off Turn 4 that pissed Nap Time off so bad he door slammed him and cut his own tire, ultimately costing himself the race. 796. Sean posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I still believe Montoya wants to win the Daytona 500 to match Foyt and Mario's accomplishment of winning both race, as well as win the Brickyard 400 to be the first man ever to win two different races at IMS." Yeah, that's probably why he went to NASCAR in the first place. He knew his chance of winning an F1 title was over, so winning a 24 Hours of Le Mans and/or doing some stuff in NASCAR was all he had left to do. "I do think it's strange that Penske would allow a full-time IndyCar driver to run NASCAR races, since he never even allowed Al Unser, Jr. to do so, and I really think he wanted to try NASCAR again after the 1993 Daytona 500. As far as I know, the last IndyCar driver Penske had that he also ran NASCAR with was Gary Bettenhausen, back when Penske ran the AMC Matadors in the early and mid 70s." I know Penske offered Al Unser, Jr. a start in the 1997 Brickyard 400 if he had a high enough position in CART points, but that was the start of his major decline so he wasn't even close. "It's as simple as this: if the cars are running poorly, it reflects badly on the guy in charge. Zipadelli needs to go." I agree he's massively overrated and that's probably part of it. But I also think Stewart is fading, Newman has always been a slightly above average driver and was never truly "great", Harvick is a little better than Newman but even more overrated, Patrick is awful, and Martin at this point is awful. If Kurt Busch is doing what he is doing in the #78, he could maybe win a title in even THIS era's SHR equipment... 797. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Labor Day Darlington (please say the magic words "day race")? Sonoma in the Chase? Cup at Road America replacing Dover? Yes please! (I'd honestly rather see Pocono lose one of its dates, but I guess you can't have everything...) Not sure about the idea of Phoenix being the season-ending race. It's a good track, but Homestead fits - and Atlanta will always be the "season-ending race" for me. 798. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 3:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) That's true Sean, I didn't think about all that. But that brings up another factor. Harvick is Tony's guy and Kurt is Gene's guy. We have all seen who has the final say over there. That will work against Kevin if factions begin to develop over there. 799. 12345Dude posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) More information http://www.mikemulhern.net/DailyBriefing/ 800. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) New Hampshire entry list is out, 43 for 43: -Kevin Swindell in the 30 -Hill in the 32 -Raines in the 33, Cassill in the 40 -Labonte back in the 47 -Surprise: Michael McDowell in the 51 and Johnny Sauter in the 98. -Scott Riggs in the 95 801. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I just read that Juan will also reportedly compete in select Cup and NNS events for Penske as well as the full time IndyCar ride. So his schedule will probably be similar to AJ's was this year, only he'll be full time in IndyCar." Haven't seen this discussed yet, but what are the implications for Sam Hornish here? If Penske will be running a car for Montoya on occasion, it seems unlikely he would be running a 3rd full-time car for Hornish in Cup. Will he be resigned to another season in Nationwide (even after potentially winning the championship) or will he leave Penske for another team in Cup or IndyCar? 802. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:07 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) DSFF, at Martinsville in 2007, while Gordon did make contact with Johnson repeatedly, it was never going to take both cars out. The fact that the bumpers lined up perfectly saw to that. In fact, Gordon admitted after the race that he waited too long to make his move on Jimmie, since he had a better car. And as for what happened at Texas in 2010, Jimmie started that whole thing. Gordon passed him cleanly off turn four and Johnson pushed him down the front "straightaway", which is anything but straight, and could have wrecked both cars. That was a textbook case in something I've mentioned and a few others have mentioned, and that is how Jimmie hates being raced hard. I'm not sure Jeff ever touched Jimmie, but Jimmie took exception to something, because he pushed him much like Ricky Rudd did at Charlotte in '94, doorslammed him later on in that race, and that feud continued at Talladega when Jimmie threw a vicious block on Gordon, which eventually led to Gordon getting in a crash seconds later, and Gordon told everyone what he thought in an interview later. And as I've said, if Jimmie had to race against guys like Dale, Sr., Rusty, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Geoff Bodine, Neil Bonnett, and that crowd, any one of them would have had him for lunch, because they knew only one way to race, and that was to race hard, and Jimmie can't stand being raced hard, and never has been able to stand getting raced hard. 803. Sean posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Kevin Harvick isn't AS overrated as Newman" "Harvick is a little better than Newman but even more overrated" I flat out contradicted myself here. The second is my actual opinion. Harvick is rated much higher than Newman, when he's only a little better. 804. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:16 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) I don't know about Phoenix being the season finale, 83andJoe. Somehow, that just doesn't fit, especially compared to where the season finale's been since the mid 70s (Ontario, Riverside, Atlanta, Homestead). First, the championship-deciding race needs to be a test, which is why I prefer the 500-mile distance at a speedway, because that's a test of man (especially the pit crews) and machine. to me, while Phoenix can be a demanding track on the driver in terms of precision, I just think it's far too short a race (312 miles?) to determine a champion and not as thoroughly demanding as a finale should be. Not to mention that Phoenix is not near the market that Los Angeles, Miami, and even Atlanta are. I would actually prefer a 500-mile race at Las Vegas (America's glamour capital) or Auto Club Speedway (the L.A. market) to decide the champion over a 312-mile race at Phoenix. 805. 83andJoe posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) When the Trucks had their season end at Vegas, that was pretty cool. And you could count on the weather being good too. 806. Sean posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Phoenix is the 14th largest media market (which is larger than Miami at #17 and Las Vegas at #48 but slightly smaller than Atlanta at #9). I figured Phoenix would be higher than you think because I know it's one of the top ten biggest cities in the U.S., although maybe not metropolitan areas. I think I'd prefer a Phoenix finale, just because I think that track has more to do with driving talent than Homestead, Las Vegas, Fontana, or usually Atlanta (I MIGHT possibly make an exception for Atlanta as it is right now with the worn out surface, but I STILL think Phoenix results are more reflective of driving talent.) 807. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If I were in charge I'd move the finale back to Atlanta. 808. Spen posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) DSFF: "THAT GORDON SUX AND WATCHING HIM FAIL IS ALWAYS FUN!" Hehe, you might be in to something there. 809. David posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:38 pm Rate this comment: (5) (0) On a somewhat somber note, Jason Leffler would have turned 38 today. Rest in peace. 810. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Driving talent, quite possibly Sean, but what about the other things that make it a test, such as parts and pieces, not to mention the pit crews. In those departments, Phoenix falls short of the mark, because it's not demanding on the parts and pieces, since the speeds are much lower and the race distance is much shorter, and there aren't that many pit stops (3-4 tops). And the thing about Atlanta is that, not only is that a sizeable market, but a number of national cable networks, including CNN, are based there. The weather became a big problem at Atlanta, with the marathon finale in 1998 and the postponement in 2000. Miami is about the same sized market, as you said, but is a much more glamorous place to be. I brought up Las Vegas for that reason. Vegas in, by no means, a big market, but it's the most glamorous city in America, and with a speedway capable of having a 500-mile race on it, and the banquet there as well, Vegas would be a great place to end the season, and of course, there is the L.A. market, which hosted the finale from 1974-'86, either at Ontario or Riverside. Come to think of it. Another great place to have the season finale is Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has proved itself capable of hosting big events over the years, including the Super Bowl and the World Series in recent years, and the track there certainly fits the bill of fitting every requirement of having a season finale. Texas Motor Speedway has always ben a demanding track on driver and equipment, and let's no forget that NASCAR has closed the season in Texas before, in the early years of their run at the old Texas World Speedway, so they've finished the season in Texas before. Of course, NASCAR would ever end the season at either Texas or Las Vegas for one very big reason. SMI owns both tracks, and they'll never end their season at one of Bruton Smith's tracks. Imagine that blowhard getting the season finale at one of his tracks again. Frankly, I think that's another reason they moved the finale from Atlanta to Homestead in 2001 for 2002, to get it away from SMI and Bruton Smith. 811. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Regan Smith, Justin Allgaier, James Buescher... I don't know, lots of people who might be able to do better in that car than Jeff Burton." I wouldn't mind seeing one of those three get the 78 either, but I still do think Jeff Burton has a bit left in the tank. If you actually watch him on track he's run pretty well this year, but he's had odd ball circumstances take him out in just about every race. If he does go to Furniture Row, he'll have the same fast cars that Kurt Busch has had this year (they're keeping their RCR alliance), and he'll also be reunited with Todd Berrier, who he made the Chase with in 2010. And he'll also be the number one focus of the team. So I really do think he could make some noise in that car if it does happen. I think he could for sure be a fringe Chase contender, as long as he doesn't have bad luck like he has this year. I wouldn't mind seeing Regan get that car back, but I doubt it will happen considering the way they canned him last year. Jeb Burton isn't near ready yet, Allgaier will most likely be in the 51 Scott/Brandt car full time, and Buescher is supposedly replacing Allgaier in NNS. So to me, Jeff Burton is by far the best available choice for that car. 812. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.16.2013 - 4:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) CJS is partially right about why NASCAR won't end the season on an SMI track, but I would say another (and maybe even bigger) reason is because NASCAR isn't about to anger the shareholders of ISC, espcially since ISC is NASCAR's "other pocket" if you will. One of the worse things to ever happen to NASCAR was for its tracks to be essentially monopolized by two, publicly traded companies. For one, monopolies are never good for a marketplace and often lead to crappy products since they don't have to compete against anyone. A lack of competition means that there is no motivation to improve your product. Secondly, publicly traded companies answer to the shareholder first. ALWAYS. And that's the way it should be, I'm not arguing that. The whole purpose in investing in a company is to make money, so naturally the shareholder want to maximize profits. What I am arguing is that racetrack companies shouldn't be publicly traded. 813. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "but what are the implications for Sam Hornish here?" Not sure, but I would be pretty shocked if he doesn't stay with Penske. I think it is gonna be the same lineup as this year, only with Juan replacing AJ as the 22 NNS road course driver and stuff like that. So I would assume that Sam will be back in NNS full time, in addition to maybe splitting the 12 Cup car part time with Juan. 814. joey2448 posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Wow! Montoya going to IndyCar with Team Penske!" Wow that is big news. I really thought (and still do) his best option was to drive in the first season of the United Sports Car Series in 2014, but I do think IndyCar will suit him better than NASCAR. His driving style is just not suited for stock cars. At least this will help give IndyCar more exposure. Montoya being in the series will draw in more eyeballs to the sport. "Kevin Swindell will drive the #30 Swan Racing Toyota for the next two Cup races at Loudon and Dover." This is awesome. I've been very impressed by Swindell's runs in the Nationwide series. Larry Mac just said it perfectly on Nascar Race Hub, concerning Kyle Busch -- "Don't worry about (weekend) sweeps, just worry about the championship." 815. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Phoenix was the site of the NFL deciding their champion in 2007 and that was really damn memorable. 816. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I will say this, joey 2448. Kevin Swindell can't possibly do as bad as his legendary father Sammy did in his few NASCAR races in the early 90s, including the 1991 Daytona 500, because as great a sprint car driver as Sammy undisputedly has been, he looked completely lost in his NASCAR starts. (He wasn't that good when he got the chance in a top-tier IndyCar in 1985 when he replaced Gordon Johncock in a couple of races in Pat Patrick's STP #20, either.) 817. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sean, I don't think you should have mentioned Justin Allgaier and James Buescher as driver that Furniture Row Racing should pick for the 78 ride. Justin Allgaier is getting prepared in the 51 car in 2 more races because he'll be running the 51 car as a rookie next year with the co-owner of Turner Scott owning the 51. The problem with James Buescher in the 78 car is an easy one. James Buescher's father-in-law is one of the 2 owners of Truner-Scott Motorsports and that means he's guaranteed a ride. I also see the new owner of Phoenix Racing making that organization into a multi car cup team in a couple years. 818. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DSFF, that (Super Bowl XLII) was memorable because of what was at stake. Remember that the Patriots were going for a perfect season, which would have been the first 19-0 season in NFL history. But one thing I've always said was that the University of Phoenix Stadium did not have the history and tradition that would have made it an appropriate site for such a milestone accomplishment, much unlike where the NFL's only perfect season was completed. The NFL's only perfect season was completed at the Los Angeles Coliseum in January of 1973. To that point, the L.A. Coliseum had hosted, among other things, the 1932 Summer Olympics for which it was built, the very first Super Bowl, and a lot of people may not know this, but the L.A. Coliseum also hosted Games 3, 4, and 5 of the 1959 World Series, as it was the first home of the Dodgers after moving to Los Angeles from Brooklyn. Those three World Series games drew over 277,000 fans (over 92,000 per game). And of course, that doesn't even include all the great college football that USC treated the fans to that point, or how the Los Angeles Rams revolutionized the NFL in the early 50s, nor does it include all that's happened since then, including the 1984 Summer Olympics. So the L.A. Coliseum was an appropriate place for such a monumental achievement. In fact, I picked the Giants to upset the Patriots in that Super Bowl in the desert for just that reason, the site of the game, because it was not an appropriate site for such a monumental achievement. Had the game been played at the Superdome in New Orleans, or Miami, or even San Diego, I think any of those sites would have been far more appropriate for such an accomplishment than a first or second year stadium in Phoenix. 819. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If the 78 car gets Jeff Burton, I think it is for one season since NBC needs television announcers for their NASCAR Broadcasts. The fact is Greg Biffle's contract is up after 2014 and I think Biffle might have more left than he's showing. The fact is Roush is missing Matt in terms of setups and don't the horsepower as Penske does. 820. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.16.2013 - 5:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "...and with a speedway capable of having a 500-mile race on it, and the banquet there as well, Vegas would be a great place to end the season". My thoughts exactly, minus the great part. I'm sorry but Vegas does nothing for me, I just don't see the allure that everyone else does. I do think it makes financial sense and it's something for casuals to follow easily: season ends at Vegas, awards are in Vegas. "...they'll never end their season at one of Bruton Smith's tracks" Lol, good point. I thought one of the things NASCAR advertises is that they start and end the season in Florida. Not that they can't walk away from that, but it makes sense. Besides Vegas, Miami is one of the few places you can nearly guarantee warm, snow free weather around Thanksgiving. I do like the speculated 2014 Cup schedule. Darlington should be the Labor Day weekend race, no doubt. Adding Road America is AWESOME, I love NASCAR road racing. One day, maybe, they'll add a variation of CoTA too. Drop one of Pocono's dates for it...which brings me to this point: will Dover's owners and promoters just roll over and say "have it"? Could they try a lawsuit? Of course RA (and CoTA, if that happens one day) is not an ISC or SMI track, so they can't allege monopolistic practices. Road course in The Chase? yes please. End at Phoenix...eh, whatever. No preference. 821. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I am happy that KFC Bone eater's post is gone. All I have to say about that is I better not seeing a troll creating user names Geico camel or Geico pig. 822. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Eric, it's about time someone else figured out what's wrong with Roush, as far as Matt Kenseth's overall influence with the organization is concerned, because I've been saying that for months. Not only do they miss a driver of Matt's caliber, but what he gave the organization, in terms of setting up their cars was even more important than anything he did as a driver there, because that affected the entire organization, not just the Cup teams. And his Nationwide teams have been affected more than even the Cup teams have. Just look at how pitiful they were at Chicago in the Nationwide race. And the reason they don't have the horsepower that Penske does has to do with the way they've always set up their engines, going all the way back to 1990. Part of what happened that year in Mark Martin's battle with Dale Earnhardt in 1990 was horsepower, and that hasn't changed one bit in nearly 25 years since then. Roush has always relied on the handling of his cars, because his cars were always the best handling Fords, but without a driver that has the knowledge of the inner workings of a car for the very first time, we see how far Roush has fallen. For the first time in his career, Matt Kenseth found out what having a lot of horsepower was like, and the results show it, because with nine races to go in the season, he's already achieved a career-high in victories with six, which also equals the most ever achieved by the #20 in a season. (Tony Stewart's high water mark for wins in a season is also six, done in 2000 in that #20 car.) I still don't think Kenseth will win the championship because I think Toyota's engine reliability problems will cost him and Kyle Busch a shot at the championship, because I think each of them will have at least one engine-related DNF in the Chase, if not two. And about your point on Jeff Burton being a commentator, who would he replace? The only possibility might be Darrell Waltrip, because of age (he'll be 67 next year), and I think FOX may be grooming either Michael Waltrip or Phil Parsons to be Darrell's replacement. And I don't see Larry McReynolds going anywhere, either. The analysts on both TNT's coverage and ESPN's coverage are pretty good, so I don't see a reason to replace either of them. Also, if NASCAR decides to run at Road America, I wonder if they will shorten the course, because there's a place where two different sections of the road course come close to meeting, and NASCAR could just add a strip to shorten the course, just like they did at Watkins Glen in the mid 80s when they returned there. In other words, if they do decide to run there, it will likely not be on the current layout, but rather on a shortened version. I don't think they would want to run on the full course, so they'd probably do what they've done at Watkins Glen and later Sonoma, and shorten the course. 823. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sorry, but I don't care a whole lot about what happened at a venue or a site back in the past for the most part. For Super Bowl 42, whether it was at the Giant Toaster (the Cardinal's place), the LA Coliseum, historic Lambeau Field, or some high school field, all I care about is EIGHTEEN AND ONE! EIGHTEEN AND ONE! I will say the NFL really dropped the ball on picking the site of Super Bowl 50. They will have it at the statw of the art, brand new "San Francisco" 49ers stadium in Santa Clara. Nothing against the Niners. They are a storied franchise and I have made my feelings on Joe Cool very clear, but they should have held that one at Lambeau. We get to have a cold weather Super Bowl this year, so why not have another? Is there a good chance it would be 15 below for that game? Yep. Is that awesome? Oh yeah. I also think its funny you mentioned the World Series the Dodgers made and won during their time in tje Coliseum. I have always been fascinated by different baseball parks and their dimensions (I love the long since defunct Polo Grounds for some reason). But the Coliseum was one of the worst places for baseball ever. The left field wall was like 220 feet away. They had to put up a gigantic net to prevent super cheap home runs. 824. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And about your point on Jeff Burton being a commentator, who would he replace?" He's talking about for NBC Sports when they start their Nascar coverage in 2015. I too could see it happening, although if he gets the 78 car and runs competitive (which I think he will for the most part), then he'll probably stay there for a couple years (though hopefully he won't overstay his welcome like Mark Martin did with the 5 team). 825. jabber1990 posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "I've had some odd racing dreams in the past" I had this dream shortly after turning 14 My neighbor and I were traveling through a city in the late 1840's and we saw Dale Jr. Anyway, I was talking to him and he was saying something. After the conversation he got into a wagon and left. My neighbor and I were looking at a pile of posters. We saw a poster with Jr. on it. It had his autograph Dale Jr. It was a picture of a headstone. We went to a cemetery and saw his headstone: Dale Earnhardt Jr. August 17. 1819 September 16, 1880 826. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well DSFF, for quite some time, the NFL considered putting the 50th Super Bowl in Los Angeles, even though they haven't had a team there since 1995, to commemorate the Golden Anniversary of the Super Bowl. It's clear that they wanted the game in, or around one of the more historical Super Bowl sites, but there's a problem. There's no good stadium in San Diego, L.A. doesn't have a team, and February's Super Bowl in New Orleans was a disaster. It also appears that the NFL also considers Miami's stadium too antiquated to host a Super Bowl (just like the Orange Bowl after 1980), since none of the next four (at least) are scheduled to be played there. Faced with that situation, the NFL needed to find a good place to hold the 50th Super Bowl, and all the appropriate cities to host it were no good any more, so the NFL had no choice but to place it in a state-of-the-art stadium, and since the 49ers are as synonymous with the Super Bowl as any other team, what better place than to put it there. I think a better place would have been Dallas, but with this year's game being played in New York (which I think is a big mistake), XLIX being played in Phoenix, and LI being played in Houston (Miami was turned down for either L or LI due to the fact that the renovations were turned down by the voters), the NFL was in a terrible predicament as to where the Golden Anniversary Super Bowl would be played. And as for playing a Super Bowl in Lambeau Field, that's a terrible idea. Not only would the weather not be conducive to holding the Super Bowl there, but Green Bay isn't nearly big enough to host such an event. I think that to host a Super Bowl, the host city first has to be able to conduct such an event, and only a major city can do that. Chicago would be a much better place to host such an event, but I think even that would be a huge mistake, though I wouldn't be surprised if the NFL's thinking about having the Super Bowl for it's centennial season (2019 or 2020) in Chicago to honor George Halas, the founding father of the NFL and the Bears. After all, what would happen if you scheduled a Super Bowl for a cold weather city, and nobody could get to the game because of the weather? (If you watch the very beginning of the Super Bowl XVI film, you'll see an example of this.) And this is not restricted to just cold weather cities. Remember that there was an ice storm in Atlanta, the host city for Super Bowl XXXIV on the day that game was played. A repeat of the 1981 AFC Championship Game weather scenario (when the game time temperature in Cincinnati was -9 degrees with a wind chill of -59 degrees) for a Super Bowl would be an absolute nightmare for the NFL. 827. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) One other thing, having Super Bowl indoors at the Phoenix stadium really was an advantage for the Pats and their record setting high powered offense. If they played at the historic LA Coliseum, outside in that smog filled air, the Giants would have had the advantage. They may play in East Rutherford NJ, but I have driven past there on my way to driving through NYC on our way to Connecticut and the horrible air conditions that hover over NYC are present in that area of Jersey. The Pats play in Foxboro, an hour away from Boston. So it was a big advantage for the Pats to be inside even though they play in such a cold weather area (which explains their playoff sluggishness in January when the cold air grounds them a bit, plus the fact they can't tape the defense giving signals anymore). And that is another reason why I am predicting the Broncos this year to have the best record and look unstoppable heading into the playoffs, only for Peyton to face playoff one and done #9. It will get very cold in Denver like it did against Baltimore, and Peyton will freeze. He isn't good in the playoffs anyways. 828. jabber1990 posted: 09.16.2013 - 6:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) in order for a Superbowl to be played the city must hold certain requirements. one is that it must have a minimum of "X" hotel rooms. NO I don't know what X is. which sucks because I was going to joke about how the Superbowl should be played on a local High school football field. of course that's impossible due to numerous reasons, Logistics is one. as well as there are probably tens of thousands of high school football fields in the United States how does one become the one, its one of the main reasons why no dirt track will ever hold a Cup or Nationwide race. of course there is the obvious fact that a high school stadium holds less than 10,000 people and other stadiums hold what 60,000-70,000 people 829. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:12 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) DaleSrFanForever, I disagree you about Lambeau Field having a Super Bowl. Yes, Lambeau Field has increased its capacity and the capcity for the Super Bowl. The problem with Lambeau Field having the Super Bowl isn't the stadium, but the location. I live in Wisconsin all my life and Green Bay can't handle having Super Bowl. I am saying that as a person that has visited Green Bay. Green Bay is a place that you stay one day because of the amount of things to do. I have been to Appleton also and is where some people stay for Packer games. Appleton's not exactly the biggest city with over 70,000 people either, but its closer than Milwaukee or Madison in terms of going to Green Bay. The problem also is transportation because of the amount of cities people wanting to attend the Super Bowl and the amount of media members also if Lambeau Field has a Super Bowl since Green Bay isn't big enough to handle the amount of people. The fact is the freeway or the highway are really the only ways going to Green Bay. 830. Spen posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Clint Bowyer now has the same number of top tens as his owner. 831. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:18 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) I think a super cold weather Super Bowl would be awesome. That is what we romanticize so much about football are the conditions. The Ice Bowl at Lambeau is a perfect example. The Freezer Bowl as you mentioned is forever in football lore. And even recently, the "HD" Bowl in Green Bay in '07 (the first time we got to see a football game with heavy snowfall in HD, it was spectacular). How about the 1948 NFL championship game in Philly in a snowstorm? Another more recent example: when the MetroDome's roof collapsed (are we sure the poor Vikes aren't cursed?) and they had to play that primetime game outside in Minnesota at the college in 0 degree weather. We were all SO excited for that. Unfortunately Brett Favre decided at the last minute that, despite his injuries, age, and horrifying cell phone dong pics that were all over the internet at the time, he just couldn't pass up the spotlight. So he started, played like shit, allowed the Bears to dominate, and finally got knocked out of the game which MERCIFULLY ended the career of the most overrated football player ever. Anyways, we were all really excited for that one until the prima donna Favre did what he does best: ruin things for everyone. Football + cold weather + conditions = EPIC! Also, the 2001 Tuck Rule Game was played in some pretty kick ass snow. But we try to forget that one cause it pretty much launched the unfortunate Pats dynasty of Satan's right hand man, Bill Belichick. One other one, once the Giants played the Packers of Starr and Lombardi for the NFL title at historic Yankee Stadium, and on the sidelines they had those 55 gallon barrells with fires burning in them to keep the players warm. Those are some cool visuals. And the chicken soup game! How could I forget that one. The Cotton Bowl was played between Houston and Notre Dame in Dallas in an ice storm. It was so cold and the conditions so bad, Notre Dame's QB, future NFL third round draft pick Joe Montana, who had the flu, missed the start of the second half cause he was too cold and was cramming as much warm chicken soup down as possible just to get his body temperature back up. He eventually made it back out and led The Irish on a miracle 24 point comeback in the 4th quarter. And a legend was born. 832. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) While I mentioned Madison, Wisconsin, It is even worse than Milwaukee in my opinion for going to Green Bay. I mentioned Milwaukee in terms of where people stay for a Super Bowl in Wisconsin for a reason. Media People actually stay in Milwaukee before leaving for a Packer Game. If there is a snow storm Wisconsin, there would be transportation problems for people going to Green Bay for the Super Bowl. 833. jabber1990 posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:48 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) on PRN's "fastTalk" Mark Garrow just called Jeb Burton Jeb Bush 834. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 7:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I guess for my Lambeau Super Bowl, we'll have to limit ticket purchases to Mid Westerners only. They can drive in snow. In the South, if we see one flake of snow we shut the whole damn town down. 835. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Just saw a leaked picture of a number 3 Cheerios Cup car for Austin Dillon next year. So it looks like the "legacy" is going to "continue". 836. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (1) (5) So it looks like the "legacy" is going to "continue". ....to be pissed on. 837. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Where did you see the picture? 838. murb posted: 09.16.2013 - 8:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I was just over on that Rubbin's Racin' forum looking at paint schemes and someone posted it. If you go under their "Paint Schemes" tab you'll be able to see it. 839. The Sound posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I fail to understand how awarding Austin the 3 is fair to Ty. Of course, I believe 41 is also a family number, but once they're both in the Cup series, they can't both have the same number. Hey, if my Grandpa says that the 3's on the table, and my older brother gets it just because he's older, I'm not going to be ecstatic. 840. The Sound posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, I plan to conduct the final NR2003 simulation to determine the champion tomorrow evening, ideally. I may even research free video capture software, as I would like to document the finish if it proves to be close. 841. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "when the MetroDome's roof collapsed (are we sure the poor Vikes aren't cursed?)" LOL! Every chance I get, I remind people of Ed Thorp. Ed Thorp was a popular NFL official and they named the pre-Lombardi Championship trophy after him. The Thorp trophy, like the Stanley Cup, was a traveling trophy. The Vikings were the last team to have the trophy in their possession and when the league asked for it back in 1970, the team manager and officials supposedly said "Um, sorry, we don't know where it is" thus giving birth to the curse of Ed Thorp. The curse never quite caught on with the fans they way the billy goat curse did with Cubs fans or Bambino's curse did with the BoSox fans. Sometimes I believe it though. The ensuing game you guys mentioned was quite the local story up here too. The U advertised that they would hire kids to shovel out the stadium bowl and actually had to turn away some because they had such a great response. People were excited it would be like the classic Vikings and well DSFF already explained what happened in reality. Interesting to see the Super Bowl talk here. I for one, would loved to have seen a game in LA for Super Bowl L (50) at least it's in Cali and in the new house of one of the most successful teams in the modern era. Sometime after SB LI, I suppose Minnesota can look forward to hosting the game again in our new stadium, since we know the Vikes probably won't be in one anytime soon Back to racing talk: "I think FOX may be grooming either Michael Waltrip...to be Darrell's replacement." Please God, NO!!! If that happens I WILL ALWAYS watch the Spanish audio feeds, lol. As for the comment about shortening RA? Doesn't Nationwide run the full course? Sure it's LONGGGGG (4.048 miles exactly) for NASCAR but it would be an interesting challenge for the drivers and the Gen 6 car. 842. Spen posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DSFF: Most Iowans can't drive in snow either. 843. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I fail to understand how awarding Austin the 3 is fair to Ty. Of course, I believe 41 is also a family number, but once they're both in the Cup series, they can't both have the same number. Hey, if my Grandpa says that the 3's on the table, and my older brother gets it just because he's older, I'm not going to be ecstatic." Personally, I think once Ty makes it Cup, if he has a good career (and especially if he's better than Austin) he's not going to care what number he has. 844. cjs3872 posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) What about Phil Parsons, @841? In the part of that quote from one of my posts, Phil Parsons was the other one I named as someone FOX may be grooming to replace Darrell Waltrip. I think Michael's a better possibility, especially since he'll always be linked to FOX's NASCAR coverage (he won their first points race, the 2001 Daytona 500, after all), but I don't think Phil Parsons would be that bad, either. I'd rather see a Parsons back analyzing Cup races anyway (Benny did so for 18 years). And I do think NASCAR will shorten the course at Road America if they ever bring Cup racing back there (NASCAR's top series actually did race there in the mid-to-late 50s). One reason for that is to run more laps and allow the fans to see the cars more often, not to mention how much of the race is consumed in just one lap. (For instance, one lap in the Nationwide Series race consumes 2% of the entire race distance, and caution flags would consume between 6-8% of the race distance for on caution period.) After all, Watkins Glen shortened the course just so NASCAR could return there in 1986 and they shortened the course at Sonoma in 1998 to it's current layout after running the longer layout for nine years (1989-'97). So if the Cup Series returns to Road America, I think one of the stipulations would be shortening the course. 845. jabber1990 posted: 09.16.2013 - 9:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) i'm not telling childress what to do, but if Austin gets the 3, why not give Ty the 03? that way they both win, they both get the same number (unless somebody can explain why I am wrong) 846. Eric posted: 09.16.2013 - 10:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I honestly think the problem with Stewart-Haas racing is the drivers. I think Kurt and Kevin will improve the driver lineup, but personalities is another issue. Tony Stewart is on his downside of his career even before his broken leg. I honestly think Tony needs to look at young drivers because I think he needs to replaced by 2018. Danica Patrick was a terrible hire as a cup driver. While she brings major sponsor money, the talent isn't there besides her poor attitude. The major problem is the sponsor would leave if Danica is let go. Danica should've been let go instead of Ryan based on track performance. Ryan Newman is an above average driver that is overrated. The fact is Ryan has been overrated dated back to his days at Penske. Kevin Harvick is an upgrade from Ryan Newman. I honestly don't think Kevin would have went to Stewart-Haas if he knew Kurt was going to be hired by Gene Haas. Kevin loves Kurt's information on cars, but Kurt would overshadow Harvick. The fact is while Kevin is a future NASCAR Hall of Fame driver that could have over 30 career cup wins when his career is done, Kurt is the better driver from a talent standpoint. The fact is I think Kurt could have done better with the 29 car based on what Kurt is doing with the 78 car. Kevin is a driver that is very consistent and knows how to win. The catch is Kevin's a 2 to 4 wins a season type driver at best. Kurt Busch offsets the loss of Ryan Newman in terms of race setup. While Kurt doesn't have an engineer degree that Ryan has, Kurt actually knows the inner working of car besides his great driving ability. The fact is Kurt and Kyle's dad made sure his 2 sons knew the inner workings of a car by having them work on cars. I think Kurt is going to be the best of 4 drivers at Stewart-Haas. 847. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 10:55 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I hope they don't shorten Road America. It is perfect as is. If the NWide cars can make it work, so can Cup. And since they have proven that a top level NASCAR series can handle a 4 mile course, start using the Boot at Watkins Glen. That is an awesome set of turns. And for the love of goodness BRING BACK THE CAROSEL TO SEARS POINT! That was the best part of the track. That downhill right hander leading them to haul ass up the drag strip into the tight off camber right hander then through the esses. Of the 4 greatest finishes in Sears Point history ('89, '91, '93, '95), all but '91 involved that area of the track in deciding the finish. The first race there in '89 had the two road masters of the day, Rusty and The Rooster, going side by side through there until Ricky forced Rusty into the dirt right before the esses. In '93, it was quite simply NASCAR racing at its finest as Ernie Irvan and Geoff Bodine were practically side by side for the final laps with Geoff prevailing (f**k!). And in '95, a horrible race was given new life with 5 to go as somebody dumped rear end grease all over the track leaving two guys who cut their teeth dirt racing, Mark and Dale, slipping and sliding through all 11 turns in a heart stopping duel (this race was the spiritual grandfather of both the Epic Atlanta 2011 and Epic 2012 Watkins Glen races) until Mark slipped in the carosel and Dale pounced like only Dale can, leading to, as Bob Jenkins put it "For the first time in his NASCAR Winston Cup career, Dale Earnhardt wins on a road course". Goddamnit I miss that announce team. Anyways, bring back the carosel. 848. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.16.2013 - 10:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *downhill left hander 849. JG24shouldbe5time posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "What about Phil Parsons?" No problem with Phil. I like him in the occasional CWTS race I actually get to see and his late older brother was far and away my favorite NASCAR commentator (notice I say commentator and not lap-by-lap announcer). I always liked Ned Jarrett too, but for some reason, BP was always a bit more enjoyable to me. Points taken about RA and its relation to the other road courses on the Cup schedule. On top of that, I think it would be a lot better to shorten the course somehow, add in some new viewing portions. I personally haven't been to RA yet (plan on it someday, especially if Cup indeed comes)but I've heard from others that there are only certain prime viewing spots and even in those, you're not seeing the cars a whole lot. The scenery is nice and there is a lot of good ole' Wisconsin food/entertainment when the cars are out of sight, but I'm thinking that's probably not enough for the Sprint Cup level. I don't want to get too excited yet though, it still seems too speculative. 850. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.16.2013 - 11:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Maybe I'm a little late but that Cheerios #3 car is an absolute abomination. Is this really the best design such a large organization can afford? 851. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I've been to the rubbins racin forum on 3 seperate devices, and when I pull that thread up, it never shows the image. Is the #3 styled the way it was for Dale for all those years? 852. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:16 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I've seen it as well, but I don't think it's that bad. The only objection might be the fact that the area where the car number itself is has a black background, but the overall paint job isn't that bad at all. What's an abomination is that pink paint job that Trevor Bayne's driven a couple of times this season in the Nationwide Series. That qualifies as an abomination. But Bayne can also boast that he's driven the cars with both the best and worst paint jobs this season. The best, of course, being that classic Wood Brothers pint scheme, and the worst being that hideous pink car he's driven in the Nationwide Series a couple of times that ranks among the worst paint schemes in the history of the sport. But as I've said before, change the italics of the #3. To me, that's all that's needed. Maybe even run it the way it is on the #33 car currently. But the paint job that I saw isn't that bad at all. 853. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:18 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yes it is, DSFF. That's why I say all they have to do is to change it. And that #3 has a black background around it. But it's the same #3 they ran starting in 1985. 854. murb posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:19 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I've been to the rubbins racin forum on 3 seperate devices, and when I pull that thread up, it never shows the image." Yeah, I think they got rid of it or something. But yes, it is the Earnhardt styled #3. The paint scheme itself is pretty hideous, as NLA was saying. It basically looks like that ugly yellow scheme Jimmie ran earlier this year with an Earnhardt 3 on the door. 855. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:29 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I saw it murb, and I don't think it was hideous at all. Trevor Bayne's Pillow Pets paint scheme qualifies as hideous. As I noted in post #852, Bayne has the award for driving both the best and worst paint scheme locked up for this year. and even worse for fans of Dale, Sr. is that the #3 is white and has a black background on the side on that particular paint job. But that Cheerios paint scheme may not have been that great, but I don't qualify it as hideous either. Bayne's Pillow Pets scheme or Cale Yarborough's Holly Farms scheme from the 70s, now those are/were hideous paint schemes. 856. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:31 am Rate this comment: (3) (0) Finally found it. I really really really wish they'd have used a different style for the #3. And why is the door, where the number is, black? They are really gonna shove this "the black #3 is back" stuff down our throats. I don't mean any disrespect to Austin, but you can't put somebody like him in that car and try to tie him to Dale. He looks and acts like he is still 14 years old going through hos awkward phase, trying to be a cowboy outlaw. That is the next in line after THE Man? Richard is doing Austin such a disservice. He won't have a chance to win anyone over. 857. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:50 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) If the car was just yellow with the black stripes (like Johnson's Sprint Unlimited car), I don't think it wouldn't be too bad, but the black background behind the door numbers looks cheap and pointless. It's pretty obvious they only did it so they could have a white #3 on a black door. I actually really like Jeff Burton's Cheerios scheme and I liked the Cheerios scheme that Clint Bowyer ran a few years back (however I was never a big fan of the Johnny Benson Cheerios cars and I was lukewarm towards the Petty #43 Cheerios cars), but they were just trying too hard here play up the "black #3" angle. 858. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:31 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) I agree NLA. The striped AND the door is just too busy. No real flow. And you are right, the door was done for the "this is a white #3 against a black background styled just like the on Dale Earnhardt drove when capturing the hearts of racing fans throughout the 90s because we are CONTINUING THE LEGACY, THIS PART IS ALL CAPS CAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR AND NOW WE WILL END IT WITH A BUNCH OF EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!". 859. BON GORDON posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:59 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) TOP TEN BIGGEST NASCAR DRIVER rivalries of all-time: #10. Jeff Gordon vs. Tony Stewart: Has cooled down in recent years but in the early to mid 2000s these two bumped heads at Watkins Glen, Bristol, and Dover. #9. Kurt Busch vs. Jimmy Spencer : Run-ins at Phoenix, Bristol and Indy. This is not higher because after the punch at Michigan in 2003 and Jimmy Spencer's retirement from racing this rivalry died off. #8. Cale Yarborough vs. Bobby Allison: After the 1979 Daytona 500 fight these two still don't have a liking to each other to this day despite Cale and Bobby's brother Allison being good friends. #7. Jeff Gordon vs. Rusty Wallace: These two met on more than a few occasions at Bristol. They also had a few run-ins at Richmond as well....1998 which backfired on Wallace and the rest of the field for the rest of the season. #6. Dale Earnhardt vs. Jeff Gordon: Unlike a lot of other rivalries on this list Gordon and Earnhardt had a lot of respect for one another. Watching these two race for the title in 1995 was epic. Raced each other hard for a good portion of the 90's. #5. Carl Edwards vs. Brad Keselowski: Not much respect for one another on the race track. The rivalry has died down over the last year or so. Talladega 2009, Atlanta 2010, and the numerous run-ins in the Nationwide series. #4. Bobby Allison vs. Darrell Waltrip: Fought for multiple titles in the early 1980's. Not a surprise that these two never cared for each other for many years. Remember what Bobby Allison said about Darrell Waltrip after Waltrip clipped and spun out his son Davey in the early 1990s at Pocono. #3. Dale Earnhardt vs. Geoffrey Bodine: The rivalry in "Day's of Thunder" was inspired by the rivalry between these two drivers. Bodine usually lost the battles on the racetrack to Earnhardt though. #2. Richard Petty vs. Bobby Allison: Bobby Allison loved beating Richard Petty. These two battled for wins and position on the track many times in the 1970's and early 1980's. I can't recall which year but the Allison's and Petty's fought after a race at Islip. #1. Richard Petty vs. David Pearson: No two drivers finished first and second to each other more than these two. If you ask either of them what driver was the greatest driver they raced against they would say the other's name. Like Gordon and Earnhardt these two drivers had a lot of respect for one another. 1976 Daytona 500 and the 1974 Firecracker 400 were the highlights of their rivalry. 860. murb posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:14 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "#9. Kurt Busch vs. Jimmy Spencer ... #5. Carl Edwards vs. Brad Keselowski" I would replace these two with Earnhardt/Wallace and Earnhardt/Waltrip respectively. Those are two rivalries that definitely deserve a place on any rivalries list. The Kurt/Jimmy feud was amusing but pretty meaningless, and the Brad/Carl feud for me was just too stupid and childish to take seriously. 861. BON GORDON posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I was thinking about Wallace and Earnhardt feud. And while I agree Brad and Carl feud was childish and ridiculous it was still a BIG feud regardless. 862. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:34 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "And you are right, the door was done for the "this is a white #3 against a black background styled just like the on Dale Earnhardt drove when capturing the hearts of racing fans throughout the 90s" Did Earnhardt really capture the hearts of fans in the 90s? I mean, really capture them? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he had fans (probably quite a few). I didn't start watching until 1999 and my first full season watching was in 2000, but even as a little boy I didn't like the guy. My dad didn't like him either. As I've said before, the 1999 Bristol Night Race had a lot to do with that. Now that's not to say I didn't feel sad when he died and I actually have a lot of Earnhardt memorabilia in my apartment. But from what I've heard, saying Dale Earnhardt "captured the hearts of racing fans" is quite a stretch to make. Maybe the more appropriate wording of what you said would be..."this is a white #3 against a black background styled just like it was on Dale Earnhardt's car when he captured the hearts of fans, most of whom previously didn't like him, after dying in a crash at the Dayonta 500 on February 18, 2001." 863. Scott. B posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:34 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Not surprised that JPM went with the Penske offer, I had a gut feeling he had enough of NASCAR full time. As far as the effect on Hornish, it won't be a drastic change since he's only had one Cup start this season. I think JPM's Cup schedule will be pretty light. Hornish's top priority will be running for the NNW title again, but IF a sponsor steps up, it would be easy to work some Cup dates into his schedule. The biggest question mark I see is what happens at the Daytona 500. Does Penske bring 4 cars, or does Montoya ride and Hornish sit out? Better yet, if the Front Row satellite deal comes to fruition, we could see Hornish in their third car, along with the two Davids. At a plate track, that would be quite good. Having two drivers share a third Penske Cup ride would also help as far as giving them more race attempts if we get a rainy qualifying session. The 864. Benjamin Lowe posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:07 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) How would you feel if the NASCAR season finale was moved to the Legendary street circuit at Long Beach. 865. Anonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:49 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) "How would you feel if the NASCAR season finale was moved to the Legendary street circuit at Long Beach. " Ewwwwwwww.... GROSS!!! That's one of the most crowded street circuits going. There's one straightaway where ONE IndyCar can barely get through never mind a big tank NASCAR. Also, the speeds would make everybody cry as they go 5-10 mph through the hairpin and the fountain. 866. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.17.2013 - 9:27 am Rate this comment: (4) (0) For the record, I too am pissed about the Cheerios car. There ain't but one man who should EVER drive that car... Johnny Benson. 867. Troll Shop aka Destroyahirismix666 posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (4) Johnny Benson!? WTF!? That's priceless. Didn't he drive that stupid looking AOL #30 car 10 years back or so? I found an image of a yellow car with black racing stripes and a black door. Is that the one? if so, i like it. However, I do like cjs' idea of just changing the itallics. Or the color of the number. I'd like to see it yellow ontop of black. 868. Bro Jackson posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Austin Dillon following Earnhardt in the black No. 3 is only slightly less hideous than John Andretti/Wally Dallenbach following Richard Petty in the STP No. 43. 869. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 12:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Rubbin's Racin' isn't working for me. Is there anywhere else I can find the picture? 870. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Johnny Benson was mediocre or below in the Cheerios car. The nostalgia's nice, but I'll always associate his career with the #30 Pennzoil car, the #10 Valvoline car, and the #23 Exide/Toyota truck, and I'd probably associate him with the #74 Lipton car if I was old enough to know what I was watching at that time. Clint Bowyer remains the only driver to really be competitive in a Cheerios car. 871. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:15 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Did Earnhardt really capture the hearts of fans in the 90s? I mean, really capture them? Yes. Obviously not everyone liked him. Rusty and Mark and Bill had their fans who didn't like Dale. But he certainly brought a lot of fans to the sport, along with legitimate emotion. For me, as a little kid in the early 90s, I initially pulled for Dale cause Dad was an Earnhardt fan from his Wrangler days. Dad always pulled for people who gave 100% effort 100% of the time. His favorite tennis player was Jimmy Connors and he loved watching Ronnie Lott play defense. But for me, as a little boy, I was looking for a superhero, like any other little boy. And The Intimidator was by far the coolest superhero out there. He was even cooler than all 4 Ninja Turtles combined. And he was real! He drove the coolest superhero vehicle, even cooler than the BatMobile. He'd go out, win, then come to victory lane, put on those cool sunglasses, then give Teresa a loving hug and kiss, then hold little Taylor who was obviously Daddy's Little Girl. Again, he was a superhero, but real, and complex. For adults, he was the everyman living the dream, their dream. He was the guy who drove and lived on his terms. He drove the hell out of that black car on Sundays, and during the week raised cows and chickens and bailed hay on his farm. They didn't just watch him race, they could daydream about themselves in that car. There was a real connection to him. So yes, he captured hearts of fans and brought NASCAR to a whole new level just like King Richard did in his day. And unfortunately, nobody since has been able to tap into that level of true emotional connection. During Gordon's run of insane success, his fans were bandwagon fans and girls who thought he was cute. It wasn't until around 2003 that he got a true fanbase, fans who liked Jeff for Jeff. And nobody in this millenium has connected the way Dale did. I thought Stewart would, but despite inoversal respect for his level of passion for the sport, he is just too unstable for a large group of people to really be drawn to him. He is a little too much of a loose cannon. Then I thought Brad might with his blue collar journey to the top, and although I still like him, as it turns out he is a blowhard. Kinda hard to get a large fanbase doing that. So yes, Dale captured hearts and gave out priceless memories. What Richard is doing to Austin is unfair to him. 872. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) David, just go on Twitter and search for "Austin Dillon." You'll see several links to the picture. 873. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, if you want to avoid the plague that is the Twitter, Jayski's now posted the scheme. 874. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Jayski's now posted the scheme." Where? 875. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *vomits* Never mind. I found it. 876. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/190dnh1qecrwkjpg/ku-bigpic.jpg Try this link David 877. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I appreciate that anyway, DSFF, but I did find it on Jayski. 878. Sean posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:50 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Austin Dillon following Earnhardt in the black No. 3 is only slightly less hideous than John Andretti/Wally Dallenbach following Richard Petty in the STP No. 43." I suppose it's too early since his career hasn't even started yet, but John Andretti > Austin Dillon Andretti is one of the most underrated Cup (AND IndyCar) drivers of all time. And you do realize Rick Wilson was Petty's hand-picked replacement, right, and he was as bad as Wally? I know the car was renumbered 44, which I'm sure is your point. "Rubbin's Racin' isn't working for me. Is there anywhere else I can find the picture?" I've visited that site a bunch of times, but I've only made a handful of posts there. Are you David24 there? I don't think so because he didn't say he was from Kansas. 879. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Are you David24 there?" No, but that's not a bad username. 880. Sean posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Andretti is one of the most underrated Cup (AND IndyCar) drivers of all time." Okay, I'll change that to last 25 years. All time is a bit of a stretch for both, especially when comparing him to the '60s NASCAR independents... 881. 83andJoe posted: 09.17.2013 - 1:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ...it could be worse. When there were mentions of a "black patch on the door" I was picturing a square like behind the numbers on Red Horse's trucks... But yeah, the "black door so there's a white italic 3 on black" is just cheap. That's not the worst part of the scheme, though - the worst part is carrying the racing stripes onto the roof... 882. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "When there were mentions of a "black patch on the door" I was picturing a square like behind the numbers on Red Horse's trucks..." So was I. It wan't quite that bad, but still... 883. murb posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's already been said, but to me the most annoying part of the scheme is the way they tried to Earnhardt it up. If they would have kept it all yellow and had a black number 3 on the door (basically like Burton's Cheerios scheme), it would have been fine. But all this "see, it's like Earnhardt's car!!!" stuff is annoying as hell. 884. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *wasn't* 885. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @867, you might want to get your facts straight. Johnny Benson, Jr. never drove the #30 AOL car for Richard Childress. Johnny Sauter drove that car in 2004, but was such a disaster that he only lasted half of one season before getting replaced by Jeff Burton (Robby Gordon still drove the #31 then). And NLA (#870), one big reason why Benson did so poorly in the #26 car for Roush was simply that Roush put next-to-no effort into that team. Heck, Benson even missed the 1998 Daytona 500 in that car and nearly won it two years later in an unsponsored Pontiac. Benson wasn't the problem there, as he would prove in later years. Roush was, but given how Roush runs his organization, should that really surprise anyone? 886. The Long Shot posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:20 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) To be honest, I'm worried that this car is going to sprout tiny bug wings, fly through the screen, and sting me. Seriously, the only color of yellow that has ever worked well on a race-car was the yellow-and-black color on Bill Davis' #22 a few years back, and even that wasn't really spectacular to look at. Why, oh why, did it have to be yellow? I have no problem with Dillon's Nationwide paint scheme, so why couldn't they paint it more like that? (And yes, I know there are sponsor differences, but still...) 887. Sector posted: 09.17.2013 - 2:50 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Great to know that Matt Kenseth has finally created a closure @ Chicago for once. He failed to win during his dominate times @ Chicago in the old cars. (2005-2007) Now he finally has a W here. Goes to show that Ford/Roush has been holding Kenseth up! 888. The Long Shot posted: 09.17.2013 - 3:00 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Apparently former NASCAR driver Kelly Sutton, who was involved in a motorcycle crash a few months ago, is still recovering but is doing much better after the accident. Sutton apparently spent 2 weeks on life support and spent over 3 months in hospitalization undergoing rehab. Very glad to hear that she's doing okay after what sounds like a horrific situation. 889. Baker posted: 09.17.2013 - 3:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch rivalry was much more heated and lasted more races than the Jeff and Tony Rivalry you have at #10. 890. kup posted: 09.17.2013 - 3:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Marathon un?official MILES Standing after Chicago 27/36 races: Note: 2013 year helps to divide best drivers as 13 in + 13 out. # Driver / Miles 1   Jamie McMurray 10259 Ganassi leads - Best Chevy 2   Kurt Busch 10255 Colorado 3   Carl Edwards 10229 Fennig - Best Ford 4   Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 10172 Rookie 5   Clint Bowyer 10152 Kansas - Best Toyota 6   Casey Mears 10095 #13 in Top-6 7   Marcos Ambrose 10074 Australia 8   Juan Pablo Montoya 10060 Colombia 9   Brad Keselowski 10040 Penske Champ 10   Jimmie Johnson 10031 HMS Now-time Champ 11   Jeff Burton 10029 Major 12   Martin Truex Jr, 9991 NAPA-man 13   Aric Almirola 9974 Pettys43 14   Greg Biffle 9973 Last Roush 15   Danica Patrick 9969 Female Rookie 16   Ryan Newman 9949 Best SHR 17   Matt Kenseth 9946 JGR Most wins 18   Paul Menard 9936 GoSonny 19   David Ragan 9922 Front Row 20   Dale Earnhardt Jr 9898 HMS Z Junior Brand 21   Jeff Gordon 9795 HMS Past-time Champ 22   David Gilliland 9674 Front Row 23   Kyle Busch 9657 JGR Many wins 24   Joey Logano 9636 Penske new-boy 25   Kevin Harvick 9598 Last RCR 26   Kasey Kahne 9539 Last HMS Fut-time Champ 891. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 4:18 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Kyle Petty made that exact observation as it relates to Kenseth and Roush earlier this year, Sector, so you're hardly alone in making that statement. In fact, I brought up in post #822 the fact that Kenseth is now showing what he can do, now that he has a car that actually has horsepower. I think this season is giving everyone an indication of how god Matt Kenseth really is, and the fact that he won 24 times, including twice in the Daytona 500, the biggest race there is, not to mention wins in the Coca-Cola 600, the fall races at Talladega and Charlotte, as well as the All-Star Race in 2004, and of course, Roush's first NASCAR championship in 2003, shows just how good Kenseth is, and a sure Hall of Famer (assuming the Hall of Fame can actually last that long). Considering that he did all that with Roush's inferior engines, Kenseth's 2013 season may not be that big a surprise after all, because he's got finally got a car and an engine equal to his ability, and it shows. It kind of makes you wonder what Carl Edwards might do with another organization, because this (the #20 car) was nearly his ride last year. It also makes me wonder what a guy like Trevor Bayne might do in either the Nationwide or Cup Series if he actually had horsepower, because his overall performance dropped off once he got into Roush's equipment in 2010, even though his finishes remained close to what they were. He got with a better team, but with slower cars. 892. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kurt Busch wants the #97 for next year. 893. murb posted: 09.17.2013 - 5:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Kurt Busch wants the #97 for next year." lol, Should be fun to watch them try and buy it from Roush. 894. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 5:32 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Doesn't Joe Nemechek own the number 97, murb? After I all, I remember Nemechek using that number for his second car when he ran two start-and-park cars a couple of years ago when he ran 87 and 97, so it's Nemechek that probably would own the rights to the #97, if anyone currently does. 895. ch posted: 09.17.2013 - 5:39 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Right now nobody has that number, so it shouldn't be a problem. The numbers are reissued every year, and Nemechek said that he didn't 'rent' the 97 this year since, with the switch to the new car, there was a 0% chance he would run a second car. 896. 83andJoe posted: 09.17.2013 - 5:41 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) And if Nemechek's team DID run a second car, odds are it would be the #49, as NEMCO merged with Jay Robinson Racing/Robinson-Blakeney over the winter and that was the number Robinson used last year. 897. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.17.2013 - 6:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) While Kenseth's performance this year has been great, a lot of it is due simply to Gibbs' sheer dominance on the 1.5 mile tracks this year. For all of the "Hendrick and Johnson are ruining NASCAR" talk, Gibbs has easily been the best team this season, largely due to their success at the 1.5 milers. So far, they've won every 1.5 mile race besides the 600 (Kyle Busch blew up and Kenseth crashed; the hobbled Hamlin was left to carry the Gibbs flag and finished 4th), PLUS Darlington. This is most dominant I can remember a team being at a certain track type since DEI owned Daytona and Talladega. The 11 non-Gibbs chasers will have to make up as many points as they can at the 5 non-1.5 mile tracks (or hope TRD has a few more bad days), because at this point it would surprise me if Kyle Busch and Kenseth DIDN'T combine to win Kansas, Charlotte, Texas, and Homestead. Johnson may still have a shot, but only because he's great at Loudon, Dover, and Martinsville (all drivers' tracks... imagine that, the overrated "wheel holder" excels at drivers' tracks!), and his team has restrictor plate racing figured out this year. Short of Johnson, I'm not sure anyone else really has a chance at the championship unless Gordon has one last hurrah left in him. 898. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 6:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Well NLA, Gordon did have a car equal to that of Johnson on a mid-sized track for once, and he might have been slightly better at the end, since he caught Johnson from behind, and had he been more aggressive, would have passed him, but it was to risky at this time in the Chase to be taking any chances like that for just one point. There are two places that Jimmie Johnson just kills everyone else that would otherwise be able to challenge him for the title. One of those tracks is Dover and the other is Martinsville. If Kenseth and/or Kyle Busch are in this position in relation to Johnson after the race at Martinsville, then I might make one of them the favorite, but not until then. One interesting dynamic in the 5/24 shop may be, what would happen if Gordon keeps up these good runs and Kasey Kahne falls back. Would the #5 team, and in particular Kenny Francis, aid the #24 team, or would they keep their speed secrets from the #24 team, sine their car is obviously faster than Gordon, in terms of pure speed. If they do, then that would say something about the way Gordon's team is thought of by their own shopmates, but if they share some of their speed secrets, the rest of the field may be in trouble if Gordon gets into contention, and Kahne falls out of contention. That's also something I wonder about concerning the #48 team. If they were to fall out of contention and their shopmate were still in contention, would the #48 team help their shopmate to a title? Watching the tendencies of Chad Knaus, I seriously doubt it. But the longer Gordon stays in contention for the title, especially if Kahne drops out of contention, I wonder if the #5 team would help them, because I think Gordon's getting a lot of his speed from SHR, especially given Gordon's relationship with Tony Stewart, off-and-on as it's been over the years, as well as his relationship with Mark Martin, which has always been good, even when Martin was at his peak with Roush, and even to a lesser extent, Ryan Newman. I actually think SHR may be aiding the #24 team to some degree, given they run the same stuff, since the #5 team doesn't like to share the info, which is obvious given Kenny Francs' past with the other teams he's been with. I wonder if Alan Gustafson has figured that out and gone to SHR for the assistance Francis won't give the other team in the 5/24 shop. 899. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I also say move the season finale back to Atlanta as it was from '87-'01*. It worked. And it had plenty of memorable races. 1987: The title was long since wrapped up by Dale, but in this race Bill Elliott honored his pit crew that was injured in Riverside by winning. 1988: The race was uneventful, but Awesome Bill from Dawsonville clinched his long awaited Winston Cup in his home state. 1989: All Rusty needs to do is finish 18th or better, and he better hope some cars blow up in the last few laps (they did). 1990: 500 miles, 6 points, 2 drivers, 1 championship. 1992: Do I need to explain this one? 1993: All Dale, who crashed his primary car in practice, has to do is finish 34th so he will probably just ride around and...... holy shit he is going three wide on Lap 2. 1996: Jeff's epic collapse continues through the finale.... wait a minute, he's back on the lead lap and charging, Terry and his broken wrist better stay up in the Top 5. 1997: Omg, Jeff is gonna collapse again.... ok, no he's not, but it is close! 900. Eric posted: 09.17.2013 - 6:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NoLongerAnonymous, Lets don't forget that Matt Kenseth is very good at Dover. Matt led 29 laps at Dover early this year before his engine blow up 159 laps in the race. Matt also had 2 wins, 13 top 5's and 18 top's with 775 laps led in Dover Starts including 27 for Roush. Matt also got his first top 10 in the cup series subbing for Bill Elliott at Dover in 1998 finishing 6th. Kyle Busch also is very strong at Dover with 2 wins, 8 top 5's and 11 top 10's with 900 laps led in 17 starts. Kyle led the most laps here in the spring. 901. murb posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Doesn't Joe Nemechek own the number 97, murb?" Didn't think of that. I guess either Nemechek owns it right now or nobody does. 902. Eric posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I do think people are underestimating JGR at driver tracks. JGR is still strong at Driver tracks, but Hamlin isn't the same driver after he came back and that is hurting JGR in Driver tracks. When Denny's Healthy, he's an excellent driver track driver. Denny is better than Kyle at New Hampshire and Martinsville. Kyle is great on driver tracks if you look at Watkin's Glen, Dover, Richmond, and Bristol. He's very good at Darlington and good at Phoenix. The fact is Kyle led the most laps at Darlington, and Dover in terms of driver tracks. 903. joey2448 posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:27 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Prediction: 2014 Speedweeks will be an even bigger circus celebration over the #3 car returning to the Cup series than Danica was this year. 904. Eric posted: 09.17.2013 - 7:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) If the schedule changes do happen, I'll be shock with some of them. If Road America is on the cup schedule, it is going to hurt attendance in the Midwest region unless Kansas,Michigan loses a date or Chicagoland closes. The fact is part of Chicagoland's attendance come from Wisconsin. The fact is the Midwest has enough cup dates already and that means Michigan's attendance could be hurt of Road America on the cup schedule. That might also hurt Chicagoland despite Chicagoland being a chase date. I am not a bit shocked if Dover loses a date. The fact is Dover has attendance problems for quite some time. The attendance at Dover this spring was pretty bad considering only around 50 percent of the seats were filled. I am concerned about Atlanta and Darlington if there dates get switched. Atlanta had problems with attendance for the All-star race on Mother's Day weekend in 1986 and Atlanta isn't exactly know as a great sport's town. The problem with Darlington having its labor date is teams are going to be in full test mode despite there not being a track like Darlington in the chase. Sonoma in the chase would be interest because there are drivers that I wouldn't consider road course guys. Homestead having a date after Daytona might be a bad thing. 2 Cup points races in Florida in back to back weeks is questionable, but it does make sense. 905. cjs3872 posted: 09.17.2013 - 8:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Eric, you're also forgetting about the big one among the Cup dates in the Midwest and that's Indy. These Midwestern dates are part of what's hurting attendance at Indy, though there are other factors involved that can't be denied. Also, what you say about attendance at Dover may be true, but that's one track where I wouldn't judge attendance by how the grandstands look, because there are simply too many of them. If they get 75,000, it looks like a small crowd, but 75,000 is not a small crowd for Dover. It just looks that way because there are about 140,000-160,000 seats there. That would be comparable to a crowd of 120,000-140,000 at Indy. That would look small since there are more than 200,000 permanent seats there. Remember that Charlotte can't even draw big crowds any more, and the Indianapolis 500 can't even come close to selling out any more. Even Daytona, the most prestigious of all NASCAR tracks, has reduced it's seating because they now have a hard time selling out. And I can tell you this. Having a road course in the chase would be a game changer, because that might eliminate half the drivers in the Chase before the Chase even starts, including this season's winningest driver, Matt Kenseth. If you had a road course in the Chase, I think that would limit the number of serious contenders when the Chase begins to no more than four or five, because a driver like Jeff Gordon, Kyle and Kurt Busch, or Tony Stewart, who's usually in the Chase, would be licking their chops at a place like that, while others, such as Kenseth, Dale, Jr., Carl Edwards, and Greg Biffle would immediately have a race where they have no chance in, and hope just to finish in the top half of the field. I believe that one reason we probably won't see a road course in the Chase is because many of the top drivers today want no part of having a road course in the Chase, because that would mean their chance at the title would be over before the Chase even began. Having a road course in the Chase would severely limit the number of drivers capable of winning he title to no more than four or five, and if there was one in this year's Chase, the only drivers that I think would have any chance of winning the title would be Johnson, Gordon, the Busch brothers, and maybe Kevin Harvick. Nobody else would have a chance because of the bad finish they'd be likely to get at just that one race. That's how much of a game changer a road course race in the Chase would be. 906. Baker posted: 09.17.2013 - 9:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think the should just scrap the chase....or make the last 5 chase races the only 5 and make them Watkins Glen, Richmond, Sonoma, Martinsville and then the finale at Bristol. Oh and let the Top 10 and EVERYONE who won a race in the first 31 in the chase. And for the kicker we go with the boys have at it and whatever happens happens. No NASCAR issued penalties. Should keep things heated and interesting for all the way to the end. 907. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.17.2013 - 10:18 pm Rate this comment: (3) (2) Lol, just saw a Monday Night Football commercial featuring Jim Brown. We were just talking about him! He was so good that when he retired, not only did the Cleveland Browns retire his number, the Browns, along with the entire city of Cleveland, retired from winning championships. *rimshot* 908. Eric posted: 09.17.2013 - 10:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) cjs3872, You overestimated the crowd at Dover for the last race. The track holds 135,000 seats, not 140,000 to 160,000 you mentioned. The fact is Dover never held 140,000 to 160,000 seats. The fact is Dover is middle cutting the capacity of the track to 113,000 fans by widening the seats. 909. Eric posted: 09.17.2013 - 11:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) cjs3872, I got the 135,000 grandstand capacity for Dover from Jayski. There is one thing you forgot if NASCAR does add a road course in the chase like 2345Dude posted earlier from reading jayski or Mike Mulhern's website. That would means there are two wild cards, not one. Talladega is already a wild card. The fact is if Jimmie Johnson finishes poorly at Talladega, but finishes well at Sonoma, it would even itself out. 910. David posted: 09.17.2013 - 11:37 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "He was so good that when he retired, not only did the Cleveland Browns retire his number, the Browns, along with the entire city of Cleveland, retired from winning championships." Ha! As an Indians fan, I laughed at that. 911. The Long Shot posted: 09.17.2013 - 11:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) You're forgetting something, DSFF: the Buffalo Bills' and Minnesota Vikings' arrivals were so anticipated that when they first entered the league, Buffalo and Minnesota officially retired from winning championships in their honor. Not that they had very many championships to brag about beforehand. 912. Baker posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:21 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) As a Browns fan I did not laugh. I cried. 913. Paul posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:42 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The Minnesota Vikings were technically the 1969 NFL champions, as that was the final season before the AFL merged with the NFL, so they were champions of the National Football League. They just got outsmarted and outplayed in the Super Bowl against the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs. It's easy to forget that there were two major pro football champions between 1960 and 1969 when the AFL existed, since the Super Bowl champions receive the most glory, but the Vikings technically have one championship to their name. Plus, the Buffalo Bills won two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, beating the San Diego Chargers in both seasons by a combined score of 43-7. The only active NFL teams without a league championship are the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks. 914. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:48 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) I kinda stole that from The Onion's piece one him. They said, in one of their stong side/weak side graphs, "Sheer greatness inspired Cleveland Browns to retire his tough, bruising style of play". So I was only half original. More facts about Jim Brown courtesy of The Onion: -Blocked for himself -Guessed his draft position wrong; had to hastily change name from Jim 49er -The year after his retirement, his empty uniform rushed for 1,193 yards and 9 touchdowns -Repeatedly knocked tacklers into next week, so that late in the season he would face up to 66 defenders at once 915. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 1:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) They just got outsmarted and outplayed in the Super Bowl against the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Hank Stram matriculated the ball down the field. The Vikings are football's version of Mark Martin. They lost 3 more Super Bowls, all to dynasties. The Dolphins the year after their perfect season (to this day, those Dolphins swear that years team was better than the 17-0 version), The Steelers in their first of 4 Super Bowls in 6 seasons, then the Raiders in their first of 3 Super Bowls. Mark has finished 2nd in points 5 times, but it was twice to 7 time champ Earnhardt, once to 4 time champ Gordon, once to 3 time champ Smoke, and once to 5 time champ JJ. Then the Vikings were really good in the 80s, but they kept coming across the Niners of Montana and Walsh. And they even managed to stun the Niners at Candlestick in '87 when they played an incredible game while Joe laid a rare playoff egg, his only true home loss (I don't count '90) in his long career. Then the Herchel Walker trade happened which Jimmy Johnson still brags about to this day. Then 1998 happened. Then that Arizona Cardinals game happened. Then Brett Favre happened. Then Brett Favre's penis happened. And what about Jim Marshall? One of the greatest defenders of his era and one of the most durable football players period, and all anyone remembers is him recovering that fumble and running the wrong way. Nevermind that The Vikes won that game, clinching it when a fumble was forced by, wait for it, Jim Marshall! And then his long standing record of consecutive starts was broken by prima donna Brett Favre..... in a Vikings uniform! Are we sure they aren't cursed? 916. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 8:43 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Eric, if what you discovered is true, then my guess about the seating, and that's all it was, is closer to the truth than I thought. Saying that, a crowd of 75,000 for a race there, and that's also a guestimate, would look worse than it is. And if they're joining Daytona an Indy as tracks that are reducing the seating, it would be interesting what a crowd of the same size makes it look. And as for your comment about what having a road course might do to Jimmie Johnson's bid for more championships and how it relates to Talladega, Jimmie never even tries to do well at that Talladega race. All he tries to do is to stay out of the wrecks and finish. That's part of their master plan for the Chase. He figures if he can stay out of the wrecks, then he's got two-thirds of the field, and most of the other Chasers, beat just by doing that. And he's better on the road courses than anyone might think. He's a top 5-7 runner on the road courses, which is significantly better than most of the Chasers are on the twisty circuits. In fact, of the 12 drivers in this year's Chase, I would put Jimmie in the top half of them when it came to road courses, so he's better at that than many give him credit for. And David, you say you're an Indians fan. Well, it looks like your team may get another shot this year. Their come from behind win in Kansas City last night means that if they win tonight, they'll be in the second Wild Card spot after tonight's play (because Texas and Tampa Bay, who are tied, are playing each other and one of them has to lose), and except for Jim Leyland, I'm not sure I would want any other manager when it comes to the AL playoff hopefuls than the one Cleveland has, because he's won the World Series twice, including 2004, when he and his Red Sox broke an 86-year drought. He could very well be taking the first steps to doing the same in Cleveland, and he could be bringing the Tribe back to the post-season this year, though I don't think they have what it takes this year. And DSFF, I believe you're mistaken about the Vikings in the 80s. Except for the last couple of years in the decade (and the first year, 1980), the Vikings really weren't that good in the 80s. They had that one miraculous run in 1987 when they beat the teams with two best records (New Orleans and San Francisco), but other than that, they really weren't that good for most of the decade, though they did win their division in 1989. And I've always said that the Herschel Walker trade wouldn't have looked as bad as it did if Jimmy Johnson weren't making the personnel decisions in Dallas, because the Vikings would never have won much, even with all their draft picks, had they not made that trade. But I don't think Jimmy missed on one of them. Whoever was making the personnel decisions in Minnesota would never have made the same decisions. Actually, the team most victimized by the Herschel Walker trade may actually have been the 49ers, because they would probably have won two more Super Bowls (1992 and '93) if had not been for that trade (or possibly even the Bills), but the Vikings would still have been a mediocre to bottom-rung playoff team if not for that trade because they didn't have the guys in the personnel department that could have taken advantage of those draft picks like Jimmy Johnson did in Dallas, and he used those picks to build his Super Bowl teams, which won their titles at he expense of the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game and the Bills in the Super Bowl. 917. Smiff_2 posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:13 am Rate this comment: (2) (1) Welp, the news just broke on Jayski that nationwide will NOT be renewing their sponsorship of the Kyle Busch Series after 2014. This is in no way surprising. Let's just hope this isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back.... 918. The Long Shot posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:32 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Instead, Nationwide has announced that they will sponsor the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. 919. ch posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sponsor Changes: 9 - DeWalt / Stanley Tools (Same for Michigan) 15 - Peak 16 - Post-it / 3M 40 - Circle Sport 42 - Target 920. Bro Jackson posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:55 am Rate this comment: (0) (2) Wonder who Nationwide will end up sponsoring in Cup. There's a high-profile driver looking for sponsorship and honestly the two are a pretty good fit. 921. Paul posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DSFF, that's really unfair to list "Brett Favre happened" along with other examples of misfortunes that the Vikings have encountered over the years. Favre was the heart and soul of that team in 2009 and the primary reason why the Vikings were looked at as Super Bowl contenders, as opposed to a team that could simply contend for a playoff spot. The reason why the team fell one game short in 2009 is because the Saints defense kicked the shit out of him, whether they were bounty-influenced or not (My guess is that they were.). According to Sage Rosenfels, who was the team's 3rd string quarterback that season, the injuries that Favre sustained in that game included a badly swollen left wrist, a deep scratch on his forehead, ribs that were in pain whenever he took a breath, and a badly sprained ankle which could easily have been broken. The fact that the 39-year old vet even finished the game and had the team in position to win at the very end is a minor miracle. A better way to title their 2009 misfortune would have been "the Saints bounty game happened." CJS, just for the record, the Vikings made the playoffs five times during the 1980s ('80, '82, '87-'89). Of course they also went four straight seasons without a playoff berth during that decade. I blame their drop in performance from the '70s to the '80s on the team's inability to replace their retiring stars with similar skilled talent, three coaching changes in three straight seasons ('84-'86), and the team's departure from the outdoor Metropolitan Stadium to the indoor Metrodome. Had they remained playing at the old Met, who knows if their late season luck would have improved as the weather got colder. And in NASCAR-related news, Furniture Row Racing and Kurt Busch have had some talks about who would drive the #78 car next season. Kurt wouldn't tell the media any names, but did say that the team will be pursuing a young driver for 2014. Also, don't expect Regan Smith to return to the #78 car, as he's signed with JR Motorsports through next season. 922. Paul posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bro Jackson, don't hold your breath on Nationwide Insurance sponsoring Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in Cup in 2015. If Farmers Insurance is still with Hendrick Motorsports, they would likely nix that possibility. That being said, it sounds like Junior will continue to be used in those Nationwide commercials that we've seen him in this season. So Nationwide will pay him for advertising, but not for racing. 923. Bro Jackson posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Probably a Roush car then. I'm interested to see who adorns the 88 next year. Hendrick* said there would be an announcement in late July, and here we are in September. There never was an announcement to make in the first place. 924. Paul posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) As a footnote to post #921, Kurt Busch did list five young drivers that he thinks could do a good job in the #78 car if given the opportunity, without mentioning which, if any, of those drivers were part of his discussions with FRR. Those five drivers, according to a quote from Kurt in a Sporting News article, were David Ragan, Scott Speed, Josh Wise (who Kurt referred to as a "dark horse"), Ryan Blaney, and Ryan Truex. Blaney and Truex are highly unlikely replacements due to their developmental contracts with Penske and RPM, respectively, so that just leaves the three Cup drivers. My guess is that it would be Ragan because he is a 2-time Cup winner (including one victory this season). Scott Speed is another interesting choice since he has shown improvement this season, even though his finishes for the often start-and-park #95 LFR team would suggest otherwise. I'm surprised that he listed Josh Wise, since I think Wise should still be in the Nationwide Series, but maybe Kurt's seen some things from Wise this season that the cameras haven't picked up. Regardless of who gets that #78 FRR car, it's become apparent that Juan Pablo Montoya's decision to go IndyCar racing in 2014 has added yet another storyline in this year's silly season. 925. The Long Shot posted: 09.18.2013 - 12:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Perhaps DSFF was referring to the Favre from 2010, Paul. In 2009, Favre was, like you said, the heart and soul of the team, but in 2010, he was a definite liability. Minnesota stashed all their hopes in him by literally begging him to come back, even going so far as to send Jared Allen, Steve Hutchinson, and Ryan Longwell down to Mississippi on a "recruiting mission". And what happened? He played poorly, he was injured seemingly every other week, and yes, there was the embarrassing Jenn Sterger scandal as well. Would Minnesota have made the playoffs had they not begged Favre to come back to the team? No, because neither Tarvaris Jackson nor Sage Rosenfels were legitimate starting options, but I think they were mistaken in putting so much faith into Brett. They could have drafted a young QB such as Tim Tebo...Jimmy Clau...Colt McCo...they could have signed a young free agent QB to compete with Jackson, but instead, they decided to beg Favre out of retirement, and that decision alone basically cost them the next two seasons (and it could cost them more than that if Christian Ponder doesn't start improving). 926. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 1:12 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Paul, I would throw out 1982 when talking about teams that made the playoffs in the NFL, because there were teams with losing records that made the Super Bowl Tournament that year. Remember that was the year that 16 of 28 teams qualified for post-season play due to the strike. And while the Vikings in '87 made that surprising run to the NFC Championship Game, they were a very mediocre 8-7 that year, which was another year affected by an in-season strike (replacement games, anyone?). And the problem you mention about their inability to adequately replace their aging stars. The Steelers were also among the elite teams of the 70s that were unable to do that, and they suffered in the late 80s as a result, while the Raiders, Cowboys, Rams, and Dolphins were able to retool to some degree and still be very good. But the Vikings fared worst of all, partially because their coach, like their team, became a relic and they traded for Archie Manning, who led them to their worst season ever in 1984. But as mediocre as the Vikings were, they still finished second in their division to the Bears from '85-'88 because of how bad everyone else was. And you mention the drivers Kurt Busch thinks could be successors, and you're surprised that he mentioned Josh Wise, stating that he had not done much. He was actually competitive in the #7 NNS car in 2011, unlike the driver he shared that car with, and when he got up front at Bristol a month ago in the #35 car due to a gamble on track position about, he stayed there, running sixth or seventh for many laps before suffering a tire problem. But before that, Wise was able to hold his own against a number of the sport's best. Kurt knows how tough Bristol is, so obviously Wise's performance there this past August was not lost on him. But I think David Ragan might be the best choice. It's not a high-pressure ride, but it certainly would be a step or two up from what he's driving now, especially if they continue to get assistance from RCR. 927. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 1:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) cjs3872, You failed to mentioned that the 1987 Vikings was a better team without replacement players. The Vikings were 8-4 with regular players. I remembered the 1987 season. Some teams didn't have regular players playing in strike games such as what happened with My Packers. The replacement players of the Packers were better than the regular players for the Packers in terms of record. The fact is the 1987 Packers without the strike games was 3-9-1 and that shows how pathetic the Packers were. The fact is the Vikings in 1989 thought they were a running back away from the super bowl when they were a Quarterback and a Running back away. The Vikings in the late 1980's had very good offensive line with Hall of Fame players Randell McDaniel and Gary Zimmerman. Anthony Carter was an excellent Wide Receiver in the late 1980's and Steve Jordon was one of the best Tight Ends in the game in the late 1980's. You could make a case Steve Jordan going to the NFL Hall of Fame as a 6 time bowler with 498 catches. Steve Jordoan was at his best at time that Ozzie Newsome, Winslow, and Todd Christensen were past their prime or was near retirement. Lets remember that Winslow retired after 1987 and Todd's injuries in 1988 ended his career. Ozzie started to be past his prime in 1986. The Vikings on Defense in the late 1980's had 2 excellent defensive linemen in Keith Millard and Chris Doleman. Keith Millard was a great player when he was healthy. Henry Thomas was a very good defensive tackle and the Vikings in the late 1980's had a great defensive line. The Vikings on defense also had a very good Strong Safety in Joey Browner that was 6 time pro bowler with 3 all pro's. Carl Lee also was a good a cornerback in the late 1980's also. The Vikings in the late 1980's had some very good or great players like I mentioned especially with 3 Pro Football Hall of Fame players in their prime. The late 1980's Vikings actually underachieved because of coaching and their quality of players at Running back and Quarterback. The fact Wade Wilson being a starting Quarter was a problem and the Vikings weren't exactly good a running back before they traded for Walker. 928. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.18.2013 - 1:45 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Blaney and Truex are highly unlikely replacements due to their developmental contracts with Penske and RPM, respectively, so that just leaves the three Cup drivers." Well from what I'm hearing it sounds like Blaney actually IS the leading candidate for the 78. 929. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 1:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) cjs3872 is right the state of division the Vikings were in the late 1980's. The Lions as an organization had problems both sides of the ball despite having a very good kicker in Eddie Murray and Jim Arnold was one of the better punters in the later 1980's and explains why they drafted Barry Sanders. Tampa Bay was a joke as a franchise for most of the 1980's and continued to be before Tony Dungy became the head coach. The Packers in the 1980's was in middle of their "Dark Ages period" as a franchise with it lasting from 1968 to end of the 1991. The Packers had some good players in that era, but that organization usually drafted poorly like drafting Rich Campbell instead of Ronnie Lott. 930. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.18.2013 - 2:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Let's just hope this isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back...." It won't be. They're actually expected to increase spending in the sport. It'll just be on the Sprint Cup side now. 931. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.18.2013 - 2:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Wonder who Nationwide will end up sponsoring in Cup. There's a high-profile driver looking for sponsorship and honestly the two are a pretty good fit." If you're talking about Jr...Nationwide may be his personal sponsor, but they won't be on the side or hood of a Hendrick car. The deal with Farmer's makes sure of that and they aren't going anywhere. 932. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 2:09 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What I mean by "Brett Favre happened" in '09 is him doing really well throughout the season, getting the fan's hopes up, taking that bounty induced beating in New Orleans, but still being there in the end as The Vikes were in position to try a tough but makable FG before throwing a classic Brett Favre What The Hell Were You Thinking INT. Then his 2010 actions were just inexcusable. He spent all of training camp "deciding" if he was gonna come back or not, then once the tough stuff was over, "decided" to come back. Then he stunk out the joint, his embassing deal from his year with The Jets came out, and wouldn't get out of the way, leading to their outdoor primetime beatdown by the Bears. And cjs, them making the playoffs 4 or 5 times in the 80s is damn good. Dynasties and perennial playoff teams are rare. If the Panthers ever made the playoffs 4 or 5 times in a decade, I'd be tickled shitless. They made it 3 times this past decade ('03, '05, and '08) and I was thrilled. 933. Smiff_2 posted: 09.18.2013 - 3:04 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Zach, I was referring the series itself. It's bad enough that the Cup guys are destroying the series, but now NASCAR has to talk someone into sponsoring it. That's gonna be one hard sell (not to mention, it'll probably somehow result in even lower purses) It's a shame, because the series could be SO much more without the Cup guys, but.... 934. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 3:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Eric, another problem the Vikings of the late 80s had was a dominant Chicago Bears team in their division (except for 1989), so they didn't have much of a chance to win their division, except for when the Bears mysteriously fell off in 1989. And even then, they had to beat a good Bengals team on the final Monday Night game to win their division that year, and if they hadn't, the Packers would have snuck in instead. And you mention how bad the Packers were in the late 80s. Yet, when they went 2-14 in 1988, their only wins came at the Vikings' expense. They were an above average team in an awful division, which made them look better than they actually were. Let's also not forget that their playoff berths in '87and '88 came partially because of mysterious collapses by the Redskins (in '88) and the Giants (in both '87 and '88). That also helped their cause a great deal. And DSFF, I understand what you're saying about the Vikings making it to the post-season five times in the 80s, but as I mentioned, in most of those years in the late 80s, they had 4-6 automatic wins within their division, and they still had trouble with the Packers, who were the worst team in 1987 and '88, and yet the Vikings couldn't even beat them in '88, getting swept by the NFL's worst team, which were the only games the Packers won that year. There were teams better than those Vikings that didn't make the playoffs, such as the Saints and Giants in 1988, but they had to play in much tougher divisions, so it was much harder for them to get the necessary wins to get into the playoffs, while it was infinitely easier for the Vikings because except for the Bears, they had no competition in their division, which meant an automatic 4-6 wins inside their division before the season even began, meaning they could just break even, or even play barely below .500 against the Bears and everyone else on their schedule to make the playoffs. 935. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.18.2013 - 4:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's wishful thinking to think Earnhardt Jr. is having sponsorship troubles. All indications are that National Guard will return, Pepsi/Mountain Dew has heavily marketed Jr., and Time Warner Cable just announced they're sponsoring him for 5 races this season. How likely is it that they would just announce late in a season they'll sponsor a guy for half the remaining races only to leave him in the offseason? If Nationwide sponsors any driver, it will likely be Stenhouse, as they already have a part-time deal ongoing. 936. Bro Jackson posted: 09.18.2013 - 4:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I've seen no indication that NG will return other than speculation. However, Pepsi/Mountain Dew's agreement, as I understand, runs another two seasons so that's 5-6 races locked up. I figured TWC would pick up the slack in 2014 too. Maybe they will if it's just another 5 races like this year. As far as that mystery sponsor, I was kinda hoping it would be Amazon.com. Would've been cool. Even cooler if they did a "If Dale Jr. gets a top-10, 10 percent off select books" or something. 937. David posted: 09.18.2013 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "Even cooler if they did a "If Dale Jr. gets a top-10, 10 percent off select books" or something." That would have been AWESOME. 938. 83andJoe posted: 09.18.2013 - 4:46 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) >Well from what I'm hearing it sounds like Blaney actually IS the leading candidate for the 78. While a rookie crop of Larson, Dillon, Blaney and Allgaier would make for a VERY interesting ROTY race, I'm not sure Blaney's ready to be kicked up so fast... 939. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.18.2013 - 4:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "The only active NFL teams without a league championship are the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks." - There are two individuals that have prevented the Cincinnati Bengals from winning a league championship... Joe Montana and Mike Brown. Actually, come to think of it, the entire Brown Family could be faulted for the ineptitude that was the Bengals franchise from 1991 to 2004... the Bungles Era. 940. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Marvin Lewis is an okay defensive minded head coach. However, the hiring of Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden did elevate Cincinnati to a playoff caliber team. The Monday Night win against Pittsburgh in Paul Brown Stadium came as a surprise considering the Steelers came in 12-2 playing in Cincinnati's Paul Brown Stadium. Many national sports media types still view the Bengals as the third wheel in the AFC North ahead of only the hapless Cleveland Browns who should've cloned Jim Brown so they could have made some playoff runs. Right now, Pittsburgh is on the decline and Baltimore is rebuilding so in comes Cincinnati as a young team on the rise, if ever slowly. 941. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think the 2014 rookie crop if Blaney becomes the 78 driver could have the potential being one of the best rookie classes over or be a big disappointment class. I think Larson needed one more season based on the fact Stewart ran 3 part-time seasons and Jeff Gordon ran 2 seasons in Busch series. I think Kyle could be a huge star or a bust. Austin is ready for cup. Allgaier isn't going to be any better in Nationwide. Allgaier I think is going to be a short term cup driver and I see Austin having a good cup career. My problem Allgaier is the team he's on and I don't think he's as talented as Kyle Larson and Blaney. I don't like Ryan Blaney going to cup if he does in 2014, but he could turn into Kurt Busch at the same time. I think Ryan needs 1 or 2 seasons of Nationwide experience. I think he's doing great in trucks though. 942. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) cjs3872, You are wrong about the Packers record in 1988 although Packer Fans in 1988 wished the Packers were 2-14 because they wanted the wanted the number 1 pick of the 1989 draft. While the Packers, swept the Vikings in 1988, they won a total of 4 times that season. There also is the fact the Dallas Cowboys had the number 1 pick of the 1989 draft with a 3-13 record. The Packers were 4-12 in 1988, not 2-14. The Dallas Cowboys in 1988 had the worst record the league with a 3-13 record. It the first of 2 straight seasons the Cowboys had the worst record of the league. The Packers in 1988 won against the Patriots, Cardinals and the Vikings 2 times. I am more than willing to give the link the the Parkers won 4 time in 1988. Pro-football Reference matter of fact backs my claim of the Packers won 4 times in 1988. 943. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Actually Jarrett88fan, last year I predicted that 2012 would be the last time that the Steelers and Ravens would be serious Super Bowl contenders, as they were comprised, mainly due to age. Of course, we know the Ravens won the Super Bowl, while the Steelers fell apart late in the season last year. I also predicted last year that the Bengals would be taking over that division, so the Bengals manhandling the Steelers on Monday Night came as no surprise to me, because the Steelers are in decline, and have been since at least late last year, if not before then (namely the playoff game in Denver in 2011). The decline of the Steelers is one reason why I think that second Wild Card spot in the AFC is wide open this year (I think the Ravens will still win enough games to get the first Wild Card). Remember that my pick to get that second Wild Card was San Diego, but other teams, such as Miami, Indy, and Kansas City could just as easily get that Wild Card spot. (None of those teams are winning their respective division unless there's a major injury I can't yet foresee, particularly at QB.) I'm impressed with the way Miami and Kansas City have started, though KC gets a test tomorrow night in Philadelphia. And of course, the Colts have Andrew Luck, so virtually every game they play is winnable. San Diego has also impressed to start the season against an elite team (Houston) and another good team (Philadelphia). The only caveat about Kansas City is they beat down a Jacksonville team that may be lucky to win three games and beat a Dallas team Andy Reid knows inside and out, and the same is true regarding the Philadelphia team they'll be facing. But Miami had a very impressive, and potentially very important win in Indy, depending on how the season plays out. 944. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I thought they (the Packers) were 2-14 in 1988. Sorry about the error, Eric. 945. murb posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:23 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Well, if Furniture Row is looking for a young guy to drive the 78, then I would say go after Landon Cassill. I really think he could do good if he was given good equipment like that. 946. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 5:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) What I meant by Ryan Blaney turning into Kurt Busch is what Kurt developed into on the track. Kurt only had 1 year of trucks and became a 2001 rookie in cup. All of us agree that Kurt has a very good cup career despite not having any Nationwide experience before going to cup. That meant Ryan Blaney might have the same capabilities, but he could be a bust also. 947. Ed posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (8) I'm going to entertain a motion that we make commenting on this site done via Facebook. That way the trolls won't come around because they're too stupid to use a fake name on Facebook, and we can have our good, quality racing discussions here 948. Scott B posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:15 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Nationwide: Agree Ricky Stenhouse is the most likely candidate to pick up additional sponsorship on the Cup side, possibly with an associate deal across the other Roush cars. Ryan Blaney: Don't want to see him rushed into Cup, but do think he has great potential. I was kind of hoping he and Jeb Burton would arrive in Cup at the same time. Those two and Alex Bowman are the trio I'm keeping an eye on for the future as far as drivers with zero Cup starts to date. 949. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:15 pm Rate this comment: (3) (2) "Actually Jarrett88fan, last year I predicted that 2012 would be the last time that the Steelers and Ravens would be serious Super Bowl contenders, as they were comprised, mainly due to age. Of course, we know the Ravens won the Super Bowl, while the Steelers fell apart late in the season last year. I also predicted last year that the Bengals would be taking over that division, so the Bengals manhandling the Steelers on Monday Night came as no surprise to me, because the Steelers are in decline, and have been since at least late last year, if not before then (namely the playoff game in Denver in 2011). The decline of the Steelers is one reason why I think that second Wild Card spot in the AFC is wide open this year (I think the Ravens will still win enough games to get the first Wild Card). Remember that my pick to get that second Wild Card was San Diego, but other teams, such as Miami, Indy, and Kansas City could just as easily get that Wild Card spot. (None of those teams are winning their respective division unless there's a major injury I can't yet foresee, particularly at QB.) I'm impressed with the way Miami and Kansas City have started, though KC gets a test tomorrow night in Philadelphia. And of course, the Colts have Andrew Luck, so virtually every game they play is winnable. San Diego has also impressed to start the season against an elite team (Houston) and another good team (Philadelphia). The only caveat about Kansas City is they beat down a Jacksonville team that may be lucky to win three games and beat a Dallas team Andy Reid knows inside and out, and the same is true regarding the Philadelphia team they'll be facing. But Miami had a very impressive, and potentially very important win in Indy, depending on how the season plays out. " Jeff Gordon has taught us one thing: don't trust this guy's predictions! ;) Nah, cjs, you're awesome. Even when you're wrong you put every thought and effort into making sure posts are well-articulated and inoffensive. 950. Scott B posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #948, I didn't mention Kyle Larson in the group of rising stars because even though he has no Cup starts, his plans for that series are already known. I do think he has talent, but I'm not convinced 2014 and EGR are the right time and place to launch his Cup career. 951. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ed, Making commenting on this site done via Facebook isn't the answer for getting a rid of trolls. I am going by ESPN's comments on NASCAR since they still have a troll that has multiple accounts. Trolls on ESPN actually know how to make multiple accounts on Facebook. The other thing with Facebook is not all people that aren't trolls want to make a Facebook account. I don't do twitter or facebook. I don't want people to know my private life outside of the internet a lot. There a also is the fact facebook got hacked in the past as I don't want any personal info to be known. 952. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) At least NASCAR righted the wrong regarding Jeff Gordon, NicoRosbergFan. Otherwise, I would have been right for the worst set of reasons imaginable, and frankly, I would have preferred to have been wrong (which I was) than have been right for the reasons that I would have been right, namely crookedness and collusion, instead of performance. (Those who perpetrated what happened at Richmond would be perfect in Washington right now, because they'd fit right in.) But you are right, accurate or not, I try to explain why I post what I post. Otherwise, what I post might be considered baseless. It's like the point system and Chase reset system I devised. I not only devised those systems, but also explained why I devised them. For instance, I devised the Chase reset system of mine based on NASCAR original Chase resetting, combined with how they do it now and the current points system, but seed the drivers in order of position first because how they do during the first 26 races overall should matter more than just wins, which is how I come up with the totals I do. Just notice what happened to Jimmie Johnson's point lead on the reset as a result of losing the point lead. That actually cost him points, and Carl Edwards gained 12 points that night, nine for points position gains (from fourth to first) and three more for his win in that race. And my points system is based on the current system, but weighted more to the top finishers. 11th-43rd remain what they currently are, but it would be 2 points per position through sixth place, after that it would a points per position through second place, with a 5 point separation between winning he race and finishing second, which would reward winning, but not to the point where it promotes cheating or team orders. I had a nasty feeling for some time that what happened at Richmond would eventually happen because of what was at stake, but I thought it would be in regards to the front running positions, maybe even the win, not positions in mid-field, as was the case. 953. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 6:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) On the fence about Ryan Blaney, a guy whose bandwagon I have jumped on, driving for FRR. On one had you'd like to see him get more seat time. But I am seriously wondering just how much good time in NWide does for drivers nowadays. With KyBu driving that untouchable Gibbs car, and other Cup guys like Brad in Cup equipment, all they are doing is running for 7th week in and week out. Seems like the new way to be successful in Cup is the old school way. The two breakthrough newcomers to Cul over the past 3 years are Brad and Joey. They each had at least one season thrown in Cup and struggled mightily, Brad in 2010 and Joey until this year. And Ryan running a few years in Cup in lesser equipment, learning how to struggle, might not be such a bad thing. Seems like the way to go. I think, in its current state, drivers are just wasting their time trying to develop in the NWide Series. 954. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 9:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Obscure Gordon stat of the week: Jeff Gordon broke his tie with Mark Martin for the most Top seven finishes in the Modern age, with his 361st. Gordon now holds the record for most wins,top two's,top three's,top four's,top five'a,top six's and top seven's. ---Most wins: 087 by Gordon Most Top 2's: 154 by Gordon Most Top 3's: 212 by Gordon Most Top 4's: 257 by Gordon Most Top 5's: 303 by Gordon Most Top 6's: 338 by Gordon Most Top 7's: 361 by Gordon Most Top 8's: 388 by Mark Martin Most Top 9's: 424 by Mark Martin Most Top 10's 453 by Mark Martin 955. jabber1990 posted: 09.18.2013 - 9:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Verizon or AT&T should sponsor the Nationwide series...it will keep Cup guys out of it! 956. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 9:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Danica Patrick recorded her seventh career Top 20 finish giving her a Top 20 percentage of .189% Here's a percentage comparison for you: Jeff Gordon 716 starts---539 Top 20's for a .752% Danica Patrick 37 starts---7 Top 20's for a .189% 957. Eric posted: 09.18.2013 - 9:48 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) jabber1990, It isn't possible for Verizon or AT&T should sponsor the Nationwide series. The nature of the Sprint contract doesn't even allows companies like Verizon or AT&T on lower levels of NASCAR including Nationwide. 958. David posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Speaking of cjs's points system, here's how the points would have looked after 26 races with it, post-penalties: 1. Jimmie Johnson - 972 2. Kyle Busch - 948 3. Carl Edwards - 944 4. Kevin Harvick - 915 5. Matt Kenseth - 907 6. Clint Bowyer - 862 7. Kurt Busch - 860 8. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 857 9. Kasey Kahne - 850 10. Joey Logano - 841 11. Jeff Gordon - 831 12. Greg Biffle - 815 (WC1) 13. Ryan Newman - 809 (WC2) 14. Brad Keselowski - 795 15. Martin Truex, Jr. - 760 16. Jamie McMurray - 756 17. Paul Menard - 726 18. Juan Pablo Montoya - 705 19. Aric Almirola - 682 20. Tony Stewart - 655 Here are the Chase standings, post-reset: 1. Jimmie Johnson - 2042 (2030+12) 2. Kyle Busch - 2039 (2027+12) 3. Matt Kenseth - 2033 (2018+15) 4. Carl Edwards - 2030 (2024+6) 5. Kevin Harvick - 2027 (2021+6) 6. Clint Bowyer - 2015 7. Kasey Kahne - 2012 (2006+6) 8. Kurt Busch - 2012 9. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 2009 10. Joey Logano - 2006 (2003+3) 11. Greg Biffle - 2000 (WC1) 12. Ryan Newman - 2000 (WC2) 13. Jeff Gordon - 2000 (WC3) And finally, here are his Chase standings after Chicagoland: 1. Matt Kenseth - 2095 2. Kyle Busch - 2095 3. Jimmie Johnson - 2089 4. Kevin Harvick - 2080 5. Carl Edwards - 2064 6. Kurt Busch - 2061 7. Clint Bowyer - 2052 8. Kasey Kahne - 2044 9. Jeff Gordon - 2044 10. Ryan Newman - 2036 11. Greg Biffle - 2029 12. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 2019 13. Joey Logano - 2014 Note: The presence of Jeff Gordon in the Chase is based on the assumption that cjs would have included him in the Chase, as NASCAR did. 959. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Other stats for this event: Jimmie Johnson became the first Cup driver to notch 50 Top five finishes in the Chase, in only 91 starts. Matt Kenseth became the fourth different driver to ever notch 30 or more Top five's in the Chase. Top five driver's with the Most Top 5 finishes in the Chase: 1. 50 Jimmie Johnson 2. 34 Jeff Gordon 3. 31 Carl Edwards 4. 30 Matt Kenseth 5. 27 Greg Biffle Top ten driver's with the Most Top 5 finishes in the Chase: -1. 66 Jimmie Johnson (at least one at every event ever held in the Chase.) -2. 56 Jeff Gordon (at least one at every event ever held in the Chase.) -3. 48 Carl Edwards -3. 48 Kevin Harvick -5. 46 Tony Stewart -6. 41 Matt Kenseth -7. 40 Greg Biffle -8. 39 Clint Bowyer -9. 38 Denny Hamlin 10. 33 Mark Martin 10. 33 Jeff Burton 10. 33 Ryan Newman 10. 33 Kasey Kahne 960. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *Top ten driver's with the Most Top 10 finishes in the Chase: 961. The Long Shot posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I'm going to entertain a motion that we make commenting on this site done via Facebook. That way the trolls won't come around because they're too stupid to use a fake name on Facebook, and we can have our good, quality racing discussions here" I'm heartily against this idea due to the fact that I don't have a Facebook. And like Eric said, it's too easy to make fake accounts (just create fake e-mail addresses and you're all set). 962. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bonus obscure Gordon stat from this race: He became only the second driver to notch 40 finishes of sixth or better in the Chase. Top five driver's with the most finishes of sixth or better in the Chase: 1. 55 Jimmie Johnson 2. 40 Jeff Gordon 3. 38 Carl Edwards 4. 33 Matt Kenseth 5. 31 Tony Stewart 963. cjs3872 posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) David, not only would I have included Gordon in the Chase, you have to remember that Martin Truex, Jr. should never have been removed, either. I said when that whole fiasco came about that, if Bowyer would have remained in the Chase (and I would have banned him for at least the rest of the year, and possibly through March of next year), then there should have been 14 drivers, because I always believed that both Newman and Gordon should have been added, but Truex should never have been removed because he and his team did absolutely nothing wrong, so if it was me, both Truex and Gordon would have been added in, making it a 13-driver Chase without Bowyer, or a 14-driver Chase with Bowyer. 964. TS1420 posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Finally able to post my thoughts on the race, a few days late. I thought the race at Chicagoland was a pretty good one for a 1.5 mile cookie cutter aerofest clone. The aging surface is really coming to play with the quality of the race the past few races there. But that being said, clean air is still a huge nuisance hindering the quality of races. Kyle had the best car in the night time. But once Kenseth got ahead of him on the restart with the assist from Harvick (payback for the 2007 Daytona 500 push maybe or just another way to mess with Kyle?), it was over. The "like having 50/75 extra horses" advantage of clean air kicked in and Kenseth was on his way to VL. Even though he had issues, Nap-Time still came out of this race smelling like a rose for the most part. The jack breaking & lug nut fustercluck of confusion happening at points in the race they didn't matter. Finding out a caution saved them from blowing a tire. Getting lucky on tire strategy over the rest of the field and powering his way to the top 3. Then finally getting lucky Jeff Gordon was racing him for 5th place at the end. Hopefully Jimmie can find some more of his 5 races before the chase luck. Montoya going to Penske in IndyCar was straight out of left field. I really figured he would go sportscar racing and I never figured Penske would offer him a full-time IndyCar ride (maybe an Indy one-off, but not full-time). I don't think it's gonna pan out that good, though. Juan hasn't been in an open wheel vehicle since mid '06, and he is pushing the age when most drivers are considering their retirements from IndyCar. And Ed. Using facebook for commenting? No... Just.... no... I give the race a 7/10. 965. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Top five driver's with the most finishes of sixth or better in the Chase: 1. 55 Jimmie Johnson 2. 40 Jeff Gordon 3. 35 Carl Edwards* 4. 33 Matt Kenseth 5. 31 Tony Stewart 966. The Long Shot posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Don't know whether any of the NFL fans here heard this, but the Browns just traded 2012 first round draft pick RB Trent Richardson to the Colts in exchange for a future first round draft pick. 967. David posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "David, not only would I have included Gordon in the Chase, you have to remember that Martin Truex, Jr. should never have been removed, either. I said when that whole fiasco came about that, if Bowyer would have remained in the Chase (and I would have banned him for at least the rest of the year, and possibly through March of next year), then there should have been 14 drivers, because I always believed that both Newman and Gordon should have been added, but Truex should never have been removed because he and his team did absolutely nothing wrong, so if it was me, both Truex and Gordon would have been added in, making it a 13-driver Chase without Bowyer, or a 14-driver Chase with Bowyer." Well, as a matter of fact. Truex would not have made the Chase under your points system, even if he hadn't been penalized. He would have had 825 points (the penalty would have been equivalent to 65 points) which would have only ranked 12th. But if he had made the Chase, he would be ranked twelfth right now, with 2026 points. 968. David posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *fact, Truex* 969. Jim Davis posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:23 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "Jeff Gordon 716 starts---539 Top 20's for a .752% Danica Patrick 37 starts---7 Top 20's for a .189%" It's 75.2% or .752, but not .752%, and 18.9% or .189, but not .189%. You can say Jeff Gordon has a top 20 average of .752 or you can say he gets a top 20 75.2% of the time. Both are perfectly correct. But .752% is all wrong. That's saying that Gordon gets a top 20 in less than 1 out of a 100 races. 970. JG24FanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "But .752% is all wrong. That's saying that Gordon gets a top 20 in less than 1 out of a 100 races." I'm stupid. 971. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.18.2013 - 11:42 pm Rate this comment: (3) (1) JG24Fan, I'm honestly surprised that she has 7 Top 20s. I'm also surprised she finishes in the Top 20 more than once every 10 starts. Even though only in 2 of those did she actually drive a Top 20 race. Daytona with her ridiculously powerful engine and her stunning performance at Martinsville that I still haven't wrapped my head around. Also, who here wants to go ahead and bet Austin Dillon wins the 2014 Daytona 500 pole? It's gonna happen for the same reason The Baroness got it this year, an engine that seems to go a little faster. This will allow the 5,000 questions to be asked to Richard, each of which is the same. "13 years ago you lost your best friend and long time driver in this race, 7 time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion the last time we saw the #3 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and now it is back with your grandson driving it on the pole, describe your emotions." And I will be ramming my head through a wall. And poor Jeff will probably qualify second again and have to talk about how what has happened is "good for the sport" and compare the emotions of starting next to the famed #3 in its return to winning his "four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships". They will want to know if this makes him think of his battle with Dale for the "1995 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship". 972. 12345Dude posted: 09.19.2013 - 12:49 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) About the Ryan Blaney in the #78 car I think it's best for him to skip nationwide full time. I wonder if running Nationwide is actually HURTING these guys. Yes finishing 5th-7th every single race, losing to cup guys every single race, it has to be killing all these drivers confidence. And confidence is such an important part in being a successful driver. Just ask Dale Earnhadt Jr, AJ Allmendinger last year or even David Reuitmann currently. It must be killing these guys losing to the cup guys in a developmental series EVERY, SINGLE, WEEK. And I think drivers are starting to realize that the nationwide series is a sinking ship. Kyle Larson to the #42, Ryan Blaney probably to the #78, Justin Allgaier in the #51, Danica in the #10, Cole in the #30 and start and parking last year. They are jumping very early. I don't know much about setting up race cars but I do know there are two secrets to setting them up. And the biggest by far are the tires. Every single thing that drivers and teams adjust to the car, is to get the best performance, and best use out of the tires. And the nationwide series and the cup series run the same tire for the certain race. So you have the cup guys with the best pit crews, best equipment, best experience at the track, and MOST OF ALL they get nationwide AND cup practice with the tires they are going to run for the nationwide race. And the nationwide only guys only get nationwide practice with the tires. Plus Cup practices are longer than the nationwide race. That's why you see these cup guys race so many nationwide races is because they have an encyclopedia on all the tires that Goodyear brings. That's the problem. Along with them running for the cup teams in nationwide. 973. 12345Dude posted: 09.19.2013 - 12:52 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) @murb I've noticed you mention Landon Cassill should be in contention for the 78. And I remember you once mentioning that he should get a chance with Richard Childress Racing (a while back). But I don't think he's that good. No offense to Mike Wallace I couldn't come close to driving a race car like Mike Wallace but in nationwide this year both drivers race for the same team. Landon has a 24.6 average finish Mike has a 25.8 average finish. That's not good enough for the #78 in my opinion. 974. murb posted: 09.19.2013 - 1:51 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "No offense to Mike Wallace I couldn't come close to driving a race car like Mike Wallace but in nationwide this year both drivers race for the same team. Landon has a 24.6 average finish Mike has a 25.8 average finish." Both of those are decent average finishes when you consider the garbage equipment that they are driving. Landon has always done way better than his equipment. He had some good runs last year in the Burger King car, and with the way they've been running since he left, it proves that it was all him wheeling that car. And he's also done an underrated job for the Circle Sport team this year too. He's never had a chance in good equipment except for some JRM NNS stuff (which he ran pretty good in, given how young he was at that time), so I think it's unfair to say that he's "not that good" when he hasn't gotten a shot in legit equipment. And with the runs he's had in bad equipment, I think he does deserve a shot in a car like the 78. 975. 12345Dude posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Some very good points. You mention BK excellent point. And he has done decent with Circle Sport. But with the list of all the drivers that have a chance at getting in #78 I wouldn't put him my top 5. Daryl Harr (who only ran 5 races so stats aren't the best) drove for the same team and has an average finish of 28.4 for them this season. In the K&N West Series he has starts for 115 races 0 wins 6 top 5s 35 top 10s 14.5 avg. finish. And in the Canadian Tire series has 15 races 0 wins 1 top 5 2 top 10s 19.0 avg finish. 976. Matt G posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:08 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) On a different note. Has anyone else noticed how embarrassingly horrendous Denny Hamlin's season has gotten? While his teammates are now first and second in the points, Hamlin has gone 13 straight races without a finish better than 18th, or to put it another way, in those 13 races... Danica Patrick - 251 points Denny Hamlin - 211 points Maybe this will finally shrink his Jupiter sized ego. 977. Ched Little posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:44 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Maybe this will finally shrink his Jupiter sized ego. " Nicely protecting his pea sized brain 978. Anonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 7:08 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) Nothing to do with a Dillon is good for the sport. 979. Dave #38 Fan-Go Gilliland! posted: 09.19.2013 - 8:57 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "It isn't possible for Verizon or AT&T should sponsor the Nationwide series. The nature of the Sprint contract doesn't even allows companies like Verizon or AT&T on lower levels of NASCAR including Nationwide." That's not true. Verizon sponsored Justin Allgaier at Penske Racing in 2010, they left because they didn't see it as a good financial decision to just sponsor in NNS and not cup, they were not forced out by Sprint. 980. DB1995 posted: 09.19.2013 - 10:26 am Rate this comment: (3) (0) No more NAPA for Truex and MWR, thank you michael waltrip racing for causing one of my favorite drivers to likely lose his ride. 981. David posted: 09.19.2013 - 10:41 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) The dominoes are falling. NAPA Auto Parts is leaving MWR at year's end, citing the Richmond incident. 982. The Sound posted: 09.19.2013 - 10:43 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) I bet Michael Waltrip is crying again. 983. Bronco posted: 09.19.2013 - 10:43 am Rate this comment: (5) (0) It's an absolute crime that the driver who did all he could that night at Richmond with an injured hand is the one paying the price for the actions of his race team. First it was points penalty and being booted out of the Chase, now he's losing a sponsor, and a primary one at that. No justice here, if anything 5-Hour Energy should be the ones leaving. 984. Bro Jackson posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:21 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Whose ass will Michael kiss now? Too bad he can't get a hard liquor company to sponsor the team. You thought he was a pitchman for NAPA... 985. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:22 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) David (#967), I wasn't going by my points system when I said Truex should never have been thrown out of the Chase. I was going by the official NASCAR points standings at the time the Richmond race had ended, because at that time, Truex was in the Chase. He should never have been thrown out of the Chase. Instead, NASCAR should have simply added Newman and Gordon and made it a 14-driver Chase. I know that's what I would have done, though I would also have effectively thrown out Bowyer by suspending him the rest of the season (and the first part of next season). And with Michael Waltrip losing his original sponsor, NAPA, which has been with him since 2001, at least he's paying for his crookedness in the most penal way possible, and that is to lose one of his sponsors, and possibly one of his drivers. And if I remember right, he had Martin Truex's brother Ryan under a development deal a year or two ago, and that also fell through due to lack of sponsorship, and the same thing happened to Trevor Bayne in 2010. It seems like the only guys Michael Waltrip seems to give the shaft to are guys that actually seem to have some kind of ability behind the wheel, and Martin Truex, Jr. may end up being the next in line, and it wouldn't surprise me if Alex Bowman might want to get out from under Waltrip's umbrella of crookedness, since he's now a development driver for MWR through RAB Racing, and we know how bad a team that is. He might be able to do some things in the Nationwide Series if he actually got with a competent team. 986. Bro Jackson posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:27 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Just put the top 15 in the Chase from now on and be done with it. The number ceased to really matter when they added 11th and 12th, and then changed those to wild cards. It's only been around 10 years and they've changed the format three times. Why not make it four? 987. Scott B posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:46 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think NAPA made a good business decision by breaking off their partnership with MWR, but I do feel bad that Truex is the one who suffers the most as a result. This is the second time time he's had an organization that seemed like it might have a bright future go down the crapper around him (DEI being the first). I think MT Jr's contract runs till the end of 2015, if so, he could be riding out two seasons without full sponsorship. That's two wasted years when his career should just be hitting its peak, unless there is an opening for him to make an early exit from his MWR contract. 988. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 12:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Unless MWR has to close that team due to lack of sponsorship, Scott B. Then Martin Truex, Jr. would be out of a ride. If MWR has to lay off many workers due to finances regarding the sponsorship of his teams (I saw a number of 100 or more in one article on this from the AP, which can be a reliable source), the #56 team may actually have to be shut down, which would leave Martin out of a ride, which would put him on a list of drivers Waltrip has had to let go due to sponsorship reasons, one that already includes his younger brother Ryan. But that might not be the worst thing that could happen to Truex. Another driver on that list of drivers Waltrip has let go, Trevor Bayne, won the Daytona 500 the year after Waltrip let him go. 989. ch posted: 09.19.2013 - 12:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) MWR's press release said that they will continue fielding 3 'championship caliber' teams for years to come. I hope that NAPA stays in the sport though... 990. Rubberband man! posted: 09.19.2013 - 1:09 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I would say something negative about napa, but I never go there? I do all my own mechanic work. 991. Anthony posted: 09.19.2013 - 1:19 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Well another punishment for Michael Waltrip. And it's a sadder one. NAPA Know More. 992. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 1:54 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) And this punishment, Anthony, may be more penal to the MWR organization than anything NASCAR could hand down. After all, NAPA's been with Michael Waltrip for 13 years, going back to the beginning of the 2001 season, and like it or not, NAPA's association with Michael is almost as "hand and glove" as any other sponsor/driver (or owner) combination. I can only think of about four other sponsor/driver combinations that lasted longer. The ones I'm thinking of would be STP and Richard Petty, GM Goodwrench and Dale Earnhardt, DuPont and Jeff Gordon, and Miller and Rusty Wallace. There may be others I'm forgetting, but that puts into perspective the length of the association that Michael Waltrip had with NAPA the he simply threw away with his misdeeds at Richmond. 993. Rumor Miller posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:30 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Look for NAPA to surface at one of the "Row" teams. 994. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (3) Honestly, I think NAPA leaving MRW is a horrid example of the law of unintended consequences. I think it's fair to say that while most people wanted punishments for Richmond, nobody wanted this to happen. People are gonna lose their jobs over this, most likely. Not just Truex, but hard working Americans who depend on their job at MWR to put food on the table for their families. Maybe we (and I include myself in that we) should have thought it through before we started acting like an angry mob with pitch forks. I'll be honest, I would have rather let MWR go unpenalized (for an act, mind you, that The King himself said would have never been noticed if it happened at Atlanta the week before) than for this to happen. Having said that, if I was Michael Waltrip I would have handled things much differently than he did. For starters, I wouldn't have gone on Race Hub and complained about people being "mean" to me on Twitter. What kind of self respecting grown man cares if people are "mean" to him? If he had reacted back then like he did today, I think all of this would have blown over eventually. The best thing Waltrip can do now is tell Truex that, for the present time, he is free to explore whatever other options are available to him. Also, if I was Truex, I would try to make a personal appeal to NAPA, especially if it seems like the fans start to rally behind him. 995. Petty43 posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:33 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) how about motorcraft and the woods! 996. murb posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:41 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) NAPA leaving MWR? Not gonna lie, I chuckled a bit when I saw that. Kudos to them for taking themselves seriously and not wanting to be associated with Michael Fraudtrip. Hopefully they stay in the sport and go to a team that needs a good sponsor. 997. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:48 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Something tells me that is the first of many dominoes to fall for MWR. Kudos to Napa for doing the right thing by leaving that organization. Hopefully they go to another team and sponsor the growth of a different team. With that said, I, too am sick for Martin. He is the one who has really had to swallow the shit resulting from the organization's decision. If there is any justice, 5 Hour Energy and Peak will move over to the 56 and hang The Ripple Effect out to dry. He has somehow got off completely scot free. And Mikey is still taking ZERO responsibility for this. He has allowed Ty Norris and Martin take ALL the heat for the actions of the organization that has HIS name on it. His press release never even mentioned Martin, it was all about their relationship with HIM. Man I hope Martin and Napa go to a real organization together, dominate, and MWR and The Ripple Effect fade into obscurity. 998. murb posted: 09.19.2013 - 2:51 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Also, if I was Truex, I would be out in front of MWR right now giving the Will Power double bird. He should DEFINITELY look for another ride right now. This is clearly gonna have an effect on the future of MWR, so he should get the hell out of there while he can. It would be awesome if he could go with NAPA to wherever they go (they are staying in the sport, according to the article I read). 999. David posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:22 pm Rate this comment: (4) (0) Crazy prediction: NAPA sponsors the second-tier series beginning in 2015. 1000. Bronco posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The irony of this is that all the race manipulation done at Richmond was done to benefit the NAPA #56 car, and now they're the ones leaving the race team. Probably the most shocking off track NASCAR news of the season, so far. 1001. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) As I said when I made that post, @995, there might be others in regards to teams, but those I mentioned were the longest sponsor/drivers combos I can think of, and NAPA's association with Michael Waltrip started when Michael was a full-time driver. Ironically, Motorcraft's association with the Wood Brothers started in the same race that Michael Waltrip's association with NAPA started, the 2001 Daytona 500, though there have been other sponsors for the #21 car during Motorcraft's tenure. And Motorcraft isn't even the longest tenured sponsor the Wood Brothers have had. Actually, they were sponsored by Citgo longer than what they're current relationship with Motorcraft is. Citgo sponsored their car for 14 years, from 1987-2000, while Motorcraft is in their 13th year of sponsoring the #21 car. And ironically, Michael Waltrip was one of the drivers that had the Citgo sponsorship when he drove for the Wood Brothers from 1996-'98. The Citgo era for the Woods ended when Jack Roush, the same Jack Roush that aids them now, stole that sponsorship for the 2001 season for Jeff Burton. 1002. Bro Jackson posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:26 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) If the price to sponsor the second-tier series was indeed as low as it's been reported, Kyle Busch should just sponsor it himself. He and his rebadged Sprint Cup car win all the damn races anyway. Just drive that last nail into the coffin. 1003. DB1995 posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Trevor Baynes nationwide hauler caught on fire on the interstate today, noone was injured including the car, on a good note ESPN might actually mention him this weekend 1004. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I just can't believe Mikey is only concerning himself with Michael Waltrip and just letting Martin continue to get screwed over for something he was the most innocent party. Well, actually I can believe it, Michael Waltrip is a scumbag, and in an event like this he is letting his true colors show. "I stand by my guys". Ha! What a joke, just like Mikey himself. It is really "I stand by my guys. See, I, Michael Waltrip, said 'I stand by my guys', what a thoughtful and guy I, Michael Waltrip, am! But for the situation at Richmond, it was all Ty Norris, he made that call, it was all him. And our organization will be fine because I, Michael Waltrip, have won the Daytona 500 twice. As for Morton Trudy, he'll nust have to take the fall for me, Michael Waltrip". I loathe that guy more and more every year. Again, justice would be Martin and NAPA going to a team with a real owner. And Mikey and The Ripple Effect fade away quickly. 1005. BluesTravelerFan posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:48 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) You know, the funny thing about all this is that all the stuff that MWR done at Richmond was supposed to HELP Truex, but in the end all it has done is screw him and the 56 team over. 1006. Anthony posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:54 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Well if NAPA is going away. What's this do for 5 Hour Energy? 1007. murb posted: 09.19.2013 - 3:54 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Jayski's 2014 team chart says that NAPA is rumored to go to SHR next year, but which team it would be remains unclear. I would assume it would be Kurt's team, since I highly doubt that that Gene Haas "out of my own pocket" thing will work. It would be smart of them to get another sponsor for that car. I wish that NAPA would see that Fraudtrip is the problem, not Truex. When Mikey hasn't plastered his face all over as if he still drives the NAPA car, Truex has done a fine job representing them I think. It would be awesome if they said, "Alright Martin, we'll sponsor you again, but we have to find a different owner - so get your crew together, and let's all go find another team to go to". Surely some big name teams would be interested in a package deal like that. I think JGR has always wanted a fourth team, just they've never had the funding. Or maybe RCR which was really close to making a fourth team next year. 1008. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:13 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) If this NAPA situation is indeed the first domino in a chain of events leading to the closure of MWR, we can expect an ESPN-style 30 for 30 documentary chronicling the rise, quick success, and downfall of Michael Waltrip Racing within five years. 1009. New14 & 88Fan posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "The irony of this is that all the race manipulation done at Richmond was done to benefit the NAPA #56 car, and now they're the ones leaving the race team." "You know, the funny thing about all this is that all the stuff that MWR done at Richmond was supposed to HELP Truex, but in the end all it has done is screw him and the 56 team over." That's what bothers me about this even though NAPA did the right thing. Martin Truex did what he was hired for, he raced his way into the Chase broken wrist and all, yet his scumbag owner didn't have enough confidence in him to do it the honest way and instead pulled this cockamamie stunt that ended up costing him dearly. I hope Truex bolts to a new ride(maybe the fourth JGR ride)and runs rings around Scumtrip Racing while they fad into oblivion. 1010. jabber1990 posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:22 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I was thinking about how is it fair to punish and ruin the lives/careers of hundreds of people at MWR due to MW's little Stunt I normally hate being wrong...now the one time I am right...I hate being right 1011. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yes you did cjs3872 predict that 2012 would be the watershed moment for Pittsburgh and Baltimore due to age. I agree about that second AFC Wild Card being wide open between a surprisingly decent San Diego, the non-turnover machine Alex Smith in KC which could give Denver a run with solid defense, among other AFC teams. 1012. 83andJoe posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) > I would assume it would be Kurt's team, since I highly doubt that that Gene Haas "out of my own pocket" thing will work. Whether it will work or not, it's going to happen, because the /entire point/ is that Haas wants "Haas Automation" on a car in victory lane. What I'd like to see happen would be NAPA winding up on David Gilliland's car, or maybe Justin Allgaier's - his running in Cup next year has been stated as being contingent on sponsorship. 1013. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:26 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "That's what bothers me about this even though NAPA did the right thing. Martin Truex did what he was hired for, he raced his way into the Chase broken wrist and all, yet his scumbag owner didn't have enough confidence in him to do it the honest way and instead pulled this cockamamie stunt that ended up costing him dearly. I hope Truex bolts to a new ride(maybe the fourth JGR ride)and runs rings around Scumtrip Racing while they fad into oblivion." ^ This 110% 1014. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) ^110% too 1015. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 4:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Jarrett88fan, the thing about San Diego is that, even though they have a rookie head coach, they count among their assistants John Pagano, Chuck's brother, and Ken Whisenhunt, who was an assistant under Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh for one Super Bowl win, then got to the Super Bowl as the Cardinals head coach in 2008, so you know they're going to be well coached, if nothing else. I'm still not sold completely on Kansas City, but Miami is going to be a factor. But what happened yesterday may have changed the balance of power in the AFC, with the Colts getting Trent Richardson from Cleveland. That could make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and I didn't have them even making the playoffs before the season began. They're now real threats to Houston, and maybe even New England (when they get healthy) and Denver, assuming they can get that defense going. If they do, the Colts may now be a co-favorite with Denver in the AFC, and maybe are now the favorites to win their division. 1016. murb posted: 09.19.2013 - 5:03 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) "If this NAPA situation is indeed the first domino in a chain of events leading to the closure of MWR, we can expect an ESPN-style 30 for 30 documentary chronicling the rise, quick success, and downfall of Michael Waltrip Racing within five years." Hopefully it'll be made by the same people who did that excellent Tim Richmond documentary. If not, then it'll likely just be another Michael Waltrip trash sob story where he makes himself out to be an innocent victim and an underdog. 1017. Jarrett88fan posted: 09.19.2013 - 5:23 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Agreed Murb on the fantastic Tim Richmond documentary... come to think of it, there have been a few slightly above average Nascar documentaries in the last few years with the 30 for 30 Richmond one and the Outlaw Kurt Busch one... and then there is "The Day" which was solid as well. There is no excuse, CJS for having good personnel who get the best out of each position, skilled or on down the depth chart. What Chip Kelly did at Oregon with inheriting Mike Belotti's personnel and implementing a system that revolutionized the college game, can't be understated. 1018. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:06 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Regardless of what MWR orchestrated, it can't possibly be good for the sport for such a longstanding relationship as the Michael-NAPA one to cease to be. I really hope NAPA decides to stay in the sport with another team, because losing another full-time sponsor in this environment would be terrible. Likewise, I certainly would not want to see MWR go belly up, because they field 3 competitive race teams at a time when competitive car counts are very low. We's pretty much be guaranteed 5 start-and-parks every race no matter what if MWR was gone, and three more great drivers would be rideless (even if MWR's three drivers get new rides, they would be displacing other good drivers). I think what conspired at Richmond is extremely deplorable and I made my feelings concerning the situation clear on the Richmond race page, but it's terrible for the sport when any full-time team loses sponsors. 1019. kup posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 986. Bro Jackson posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:27 am Just put the top 15 in the Chase from now on and be done with it. In 10 years they've changed the format three times. Why not make it four? = OK. Nice eureka. Plus make season 21 races + Chase 15 races. = Who are now this Top15 in 2013 after 27/36 races? UPS - universal points system. UPS = Drivers distance /devide/ Average Finish. UPS = Driver AvFn _ Miles Note: #15 Toyota, #99 Ford, #48 Chevy. 832 =    Clint Bowyer 12,2 _ 10152 - Yep! Right! Even better than 2012. 832 =    Carl Edwards 12,3 _ 10229 - Oke! Nice! Much better than 15th / 2012. 796 =    Jimmie Johnson 12,6 _ 10031 - #48 solid 3rd 780 =    Kevin Harvick 12,3 _ 9598 - #29 solid #4th 742 =    Matt Kenseth 13,4 _ 9946 - #20 most wins but dnfs. 715 =    Kyle Busch 13,5 _ 9657 - #18 between mate & bro. 693 =    Kurt Busch 14,8 _ 10255 - #78 is awesome! Beat 3 HMS! + 2 Penske! + all SHR! 660 =    Dale EarnhardtJr 15,0 _ 9898 - HMS 660 =    Greg Biffle 15,1 _ 9973 - #16 is 2nd best Ford 652 =    Brad Keselowski 15,4 _ 10040 - #2 is better than #24, #22. 644 =    Jeff Gordon 15,2 _ 9795 - HMS 632 =    Martin TruexJr 15,8 _ 9991 - #56 is better than #39, #22, #5. 630 =    Ryan Newman 15,8 _ 9949 - #39 best SRH, but not #29 or #78. 622 =    Joey Logano 15,5 _ 9636 - #22 just 4th best Ford 596 =    Kasey Kahne 16,0 _ 9539 - HMS 1020. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) We'd* 1021. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:21 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Either someone hacked NASCAR.com or an intern is fooling around, they have the #24 leading owner points by a margin of over 1,200 points. All other teams appear to have their proper point totals. I've taken a screenshot, so if it happens to disappear before anyone else can see, I will post it somewhere for proof. 1022. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wait, never mind, this isn't owner points... it's their "Drivers" page. But still, someone either hacked it or fooled around with it. 1023. JG24FanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I feel so sorry for Martin Truex Jr. This is just another unfair chapter in his unlucky career. He gets booted from the chase, Bowyer gets a points penalty for points that don't exist anymore and now Truex has lost his sponsor to boot. Why is Truex the one being punished? 1024. David posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:31 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) It's gone. Can you post that? That would be of special interest to Gordon fans like me. Does anyone need post #1019 decrypted? 1025. SpeedWorld97 posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wouldn't it be ironic if NAPA chose to be a secondary sponsor for Ryan Newman and the Childress #31 with Caterpillar. After all, he was the victim of MWR's team orders. 1026. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:48 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) Here's a screen capture of what I saw earlier: http://s21.postimg.org/3yezai2w7/wrong.jpg 1027. cjs3872 posted: 09.19.2013 - 6:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) And Jarrett88Fan, I think he's doing the same in Philadelphia, because there's no way they should have been able to manhandle the Redskins like that on the opening Monday Night in Washington. But you say there's no excuse for having good personnel who get the best out of each position. Don't you mean substitute, because there certainly is no substitute for that. But that's where great coaching comes in, because a great coach get the best out of the players, and just as important, put them in position to do their best. Motivating the personnel is no good if you can't get them in position to perform their best. That's what's happening in Philadelphia, San Diego, and Kansas City right now, and that's generally what happens everywhere a team overachieves. Often times, that's simply a case of the coaching staff putting their players in position to succeed when under normal circumstances, they shouldn't be able to. 1028. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 7:42 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I also wanna say I feel bad for the many hard working mechanics and crewman at MWR that will probably have to lose their jobs over their owner's little stunt and instance on throwing everyone in sight under the bus for something he is ultimately responsible for. 1029. JG24FanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Modern era cup drivers and F1 drivers with at least 24 wins: -1. 91 Michael Schumacher (This is the equivalent to Richard Petty's 200 wins -all-time in Nascar Cup. -2. 87 Jeff Gordon (BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!) -3. 84 Darrell Waltrip (Darrell Waltrip and Ernie Irvan are the most underrated Cup drivers, IMO. -5. 76 Dale Earnhardt (I've always wondered if DSFF has a caterpillar mustache.) -6. 69 Cale Yarborough -7. 64 Jimmie Johnson (Only a dozen wins from Big E.) -8. 60 Richard Petty (140 wins in 565 starts in the preModern age.) -9. 55 Bobby Allison -9. 55 Rusty Wallace 10. 51 Alain Prost (2nd winningest F1 driver and retired on top as a 4 time Champion in 1993.) 11. 48 Tony Stewart (He's very underrated and he has a very strange career.) 12. 45 David Pearson (21.1 win percentage, 58 Poles in 206 Modern starts.) 13. 44 Bill Elliott (Even if his car was a little less than legal at Talladega in 1985, would any of you be brave enough to drive the car as fast as he did that day? 13. 41 Ayrton Senna (3rd highest F1 win total, 13 in the wet.) 14. 40 Mark Martin (5 runner-up finishes, all to drivers who all won at least 3 title's.) 15. 32 Dale Jarrett 15. 32 Fernando Alonso 15. 32 Sebastian Vettel (The next Jeff Gordon. Except, he's an F1 driver.) 16. 31 Nigel Mansell (Competes with Big E for best racing mustache.) 17. 30 Matt Kenseth 18. 28 Kyle Busch 19. 27 Jackie Stewart (27 wins in 99 starts and retired on top as Champion in 1973.) 20. 25 Jim Clark (25 wins in 72 starts, with 8 Grand slams, and the winner of his final three Grand Prix.) 21. 25 Niki Lauda 22. 24 Juan Manuel Fangio (24 wins in 51 Grand Prix, with 5 Championships.) 23. 24 Kurt Busch (*$#@$*!!!!!) 13 in Modern Cup. 10 in F1. 1030. JG24FanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 8:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *14 in Modern Cup. 10 in F1. My back hurts, it affects my mental powers. 1031. JG24FanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 8:07 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) *17 in Nascar Cup. 10 in F1. " Told you! 1032. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 8:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I have a goatee, the mustache portion of it is not Gordon in '93 thin, but not Dale's pushbroom stach either. Somewhere in between. 1033. Chad's Hair Plugs posted: 09.19.2013 - 9:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Apparently, Gordon picked up almost 1300 pts for finishing 6th. http://i43.tinypic.com/zx4f7p.jpg I don't know what the agreement between Mikey and Kaufmann is, but my hope of hopes is that Kaufmann is able to kick him to the curb. The way Mikey has been dodging anything that has happened with this is deplorable. As one of the few Northeast drivers in NASCAR, I have to root for Truex. I hope that down the road, NAPA can link up with him somewhere else; longshot maybe he ends up at SHR with Bass Pro Shops if this injury keeps Tony from being the driver he's always been. 1034. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.19.2013 - 9:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Apparently, Gordon picked up almost 1300 pts for finishing 6th. Told ya NASCAR is biased towards Gordon. They have given him his own separate points system to make sure he gets title #5 :) 1035. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.19.2013 - 11:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All right, I figured out where the odd anomalies that I and Chad's Hair Plugs found came from... apparently in some database NASCAR credited Gordon with 1289 points to bump him from his pre-reset level to his post-reset level with the Chicago points added in. Apparently the points standings on the NASCAR.com Drivers page are calculated by adding the points standings from one source which had Gordon's chase reset points factored in to the race results that had Gordon with an exorbitant amount of points to compensate for originally being left out of the Chase. Post-Richmond, Pre-Reset Gordon: 750 points Post-Chicago, Post-Reset Gordon: 2039 points 2039-750=1289 (Gordon's "points earned at Chicago" as given by the picture CHP linked to) 1036. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:33 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Break up the Chiefs! 1037. BON GORDON posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I did something dumb.... 1038. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 09.20.2013 - 2:38 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) If I were Truex, I'd be seeking other options for the future as far as the race team I drive for goes. For a team to pull a stunt like this that costs them a sponsor that's as loyal as they come (NAPA was to Mikey what Miller is to Penske) is just downright STUPID. 1039. 83andJoe posted: 09.20.2013 - 3:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Meanwhile, Harry Scott says he has enough sponsorship for Phoenix Racing to run full-time next year, "more than likely" with a single driver in the #51, although he says they might run two cars in some races with James Finch partnering for those (apparently he's already got the itch to come back). He didn't say /who/ that "single driver" would be, however he did let the cat out the bag that they will be running Kyle Larson in a few races this year, and that Ryan Truex will drive the 51 at Dover. 1040. Paul posted: 09.20.2013 - 4:34 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kyle Larson is also expected to drive a Turner Nationwide car for all the companion Nationwide races in 2014. A young development driver (Dylan Kwasniewski, perhaps?) is expected to fill-in for the remaining races. Swan Racing has also announced that they will be looking for a young driver to drive their #30 Cup car next season, regardless of whether or not that driver brings along additional sponsorship. Since they are a Toyota team, I'd like to see them put Parker Kligerman in the car for at least one race this season, as he is arguably the best Cup prospect not currently a part of the 2014 Sprint Cup silly season. 1041. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.20.2013 - 6:00 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) A couple of things to do with tracks and the 2014 schedule: 1) Darlington announced its date for 2014...it's on Mother's Day Weekend, so that rumor about it returning to Labor Day Weekend is squashed. Likewise the Atlanta race is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend. 2) Texas Motor Speedway says it will be making its biggest announcement since it opened in a presser scheduled for Monday. One of the recurring predictions is that they will build a drag strip. However, Eddie Gossage says the news will be "big for NASCAR" so unless NASCAR is going to add a drag race to its schedule, this seems unlikely. Another frequent prediction is ending the season in Texas. Again, unlikely because I don't think NASCAR would want to end on an SMI track. So does anyone have any predictions what this announcement will be? My guess is some sort of track configuration, but I don't know if it'll be something that actually affects racing or just makes it nicer for the fans. 1042. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.20.2013 - 6:30 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) I did something dumb.... It's ok, you can renounce your Gordon fandom. We all make mistakes, and pulling for Gordon was a mistake. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Just yanking y'alls legs Rainbow Nation. 1043. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.20.2013 - 6:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (1) "I did something dumb.... It's ok, you can renounce your Gordon fandom. We all make mistakes, and pulling for Gordon was a mistake. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Just yanking y'alls legs Rainbow Nation. " Only when you renounce your Earnhardt fandom ;-) 1044. 12345Dude posted: 09.20.2013 - 7:07 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Just say the Tim Richmond documentary .. It's a must see. 1045. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.20.2013 - 8:16 am Rate this comment: (1) (2) Oddly enough, part of me wants to see Gordon win it all again. Not for Gordon's sake, but for the sense of nostalgia it would bring. Him being champion would bring back memories of better times in the sport and in the world. For all his championships, the death of Dale and 9/11 either hadn't happened yet or were so fresh in our minds they still didn't feel real. The sport wasn't facing black eye after black eye. Those were good days, and we had no idea how bad they'd get. Ironically the worst part about those days was the constant winning by Gordon. Yet I wanna see the little twerp win it one more time. Btw, if he wins it with Alan Gustafson, he will move way up my rankings. Past JJ, past Darrell, past Cale. And Ray Evernham will be excluded from all Top 10 crew chief lists. Anyone with Ray on their Top 10 will be shunned as if they had David Pearson SEVENTH on their all time driver rankings. 1046. NicoRosbergFan posted: 09.20.2013 - 8:32 am Rate this comment: (0) (4) DSFF, I've said it before on here that I seems like God took Dale when he did because Dale would not be happy with where the sport has gone since his death. 1047. Spen posted: 09.20.2013 - 8:39 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Yet I wanna see the little twerp win it one more time." I couldn't have said it better myself. :) 1048. BON GORDON posted: 09.20.2013 - 11:42 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) Woowwww DSFF!!! No that's not what I did that was dumb. I follow various NASCAR Facebook pages and ppl always post things on how Gordon shouldn't be in, and how gay he is, and how manly his wife is. So dumb me takes it personal and argues with these twits. You can't get through to them. Unfortunately everyone has opinions and sometimes they're wrong. 1049. Bro Jackson posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:17 pm Rate this comment: (2) (3) Am I the last remaining non-Gordon fan on here? 1050. NoLongerAnonymous posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) No, Bro, you're not. 1051. Paul posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Michael Waltrip has asked Martin Truex, Jr. to remain committed to MWR while they search for a new sponsor, to which Truex has agreed. However, should Truex find a ride somewhere else, Waltrip says that he will let Truex out of his contract. 1052. BON GORDON posted: 09.20.2013 - 12:58 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Does it really matter Bro?? I wouldn't care if I was the last Gordon fan on Earth. Its important that people have different views and opinions or else this world would be a very boring place. I wish I could say the same thing about Washington and our government. If you don't like Gordon you don't have to. Look we all accept DSFF. 1053. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.20.2013 - 1:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Another thought for the Texas Motor Speedway announcement...perhaps the All Star Race is getting moved there. 1054. Eric posted: 09.20.2013 - 1:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Zackary Shawn, I don't see some type of a track configuration happening at Texas Motor Speedway unless they have plans cutting down the banking. I would make sense to do an all star race there, but I don't think that is a good long term idea in terms of having a track with 3 cup races. 1055. David posted: 09.20.2013 - 2:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Btw, if he wins it with Alan Gustafson, he will move way up my rankings. Past JJ, past Darrell, past Cale." That WILL be a big event. 1056. cjs3872 posted: 09.20.2013 - 2:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) DSFF, if Gordon does win the championship this year (or ever again), it would be the seniors in '86 showing the younger generation how to get it done (Nicklaus at the '86 Masters, Bobby Allison at the Winston 500, Willie Shoemaker at the Kentucky Derby, Ray Floyd at the U.S Open, Johnny Rutherford at the Michigan 500), because it would be an "out of the past" moment. But it wouldn't drive Ray Evernham down my crew chief list, as I'd still have him in my top ten, though I certainly never had him above Dale Inman and Leonard Wood, and it's debatable where I would put him in the second group (Kirk Shelmerdine, Herb Nab, Smokey Yunick, Buddy Parrott, Harry Hyde, Gary Nelson, and Chad Knaus). He'd be in that second group, but I don't know where, though I would put him ahead of Knaus. And NicoRosbergFan, you mention the timing of Dale, Sr.'s death because he would not be happy with the sport's current state of affairs. Of course, the sport wouldn't be in it's current state of affairs if he was still around. I've always thought of the timing of his death this way. It was like he was piloting a ship and he took it as far as he could for handing it over to someone else, and NASCAR was that ship. That's how I've always felt about his death, as it pertains to NASCAR itself. He carried the sport as far as he could, and it was his time to hand control of it over to someone else, like a captain would a ship. Unfortunately, he ended up being killed in the process, but I always felt that he took the NASCAR ship as far as he could, and that was the moment he had to hand it over to someone else. Unfortunately for the sport, the crew he handed the sport over to proved the be unworthy of what they inherited. 1057. murb posted: 09.20.2013 - 2:58 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Am I the last remaining non-Gordon fan on here?" Not even close. 1058. Anthony posted: 09.20.2013 - 3:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I read on Jayski there's no Southern 500 for Labor Day :( Dammit >:( bring back the tradition! 1059. Anthony posted: 09.20.2013 - 3:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Kenny Wallace is in the #55 car for Practice & Qualifying. I just notice that! I mention he drove that car for Andy Petree Square D Chevrolet. 1060. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.20.2013 - 3:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Btw, if he wins it with Alan Gustafson, he will move way up my rankings. Past JJ, past Darrell, past Cale." He should already be there... "I read on Jayski there's no Southern 500 for Labor Day :(" Yeah, I'm disappointed by this one too, not just doe the sake of the Southern 500, but also because it likely means all the other schedule changes that were rumored most likely won't happen either. "I don't see some type of a track configuration happening at Texas Motor Speedway unless they have plans cutting down the banking. I would make sense to do an all star race there, but I don't think that is a good long term idea in terms of having a track with 3 cup races." The only things I can come up with that would be both "the biggest announcement for Texas since the track opened" and "big for NASCAR" would be that 1) Texas will either start or end the season, which I think is the least likely out of all of these. Any other changes to where Texas falls on the schedule would be negligible. 2) The All-Star Race will be moved there. 3) There will be something done to the racetrack to either change its shape or enhance the experience for the fans in the stands. Hell, maybe they will try the first ever domed track or something nuts like that. 4) The only other thing I can come with is perhaps they won't reconfigure the track, but rather run on a different configuration that already exists within the track (i.e. some variation of the infield road course). "Am I the last remaining non-Gordon fan on here?" Heck no. Gordon has certainly risen in popularity for me personally, but I still wouldn't even put him in my top 5 active drivers. As I've said before, I used to hate Gordon, but now I like him. This always causes me to wonder how I will view Jimmie in 10 years or so. 1061. Zackary Shawn posted: 09.20.2013 - 3:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "1) Texas will either start or end the season, which I think is the least likely out of all of these." Even though I keep saying how unlikely I think that is, a Texas season finale seems to be what Eddie Gossage is hinting at the most, so it's very likely that I'm wrong. 1062. DaleSrFanForever posted: 09.20.2013 - 5:07 pm Rate this comment: (3) (0) "DSFF, I've said it before on here that I seems like God took Dale when he did because Dale would not be happy with where the sport has gone since his death." Not sure if I'd quite that far. I feel like we all have our time, and that was the time the Good Lord had for Dale to be brought home. As much as I love NASCAR, it is still just a game. What happened during that game in Turn 4 on the last lap was life and death. What it did do was freeze Dale in time for us and perhaps the best time for us to remember him. Had he died after winning his 7th title (and assuming he also had those Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 wins), he would go down like a Greek myth. The God of Speed or something. But by getting hurt in '96 at age 45, having 3 down years with only 4 wins (even if one was his long awaited Daytona 500 win, that wasn't a fun stretch) while the guy who projected his polar opposite public image (even though Dale and Jeff are very similar on and off the track) LIVED in victory lane, and at the beginning of each season they just went ahead and printed his name on the Winston Cup championship trophy. But he had that comeback year of 2000 when, at age 49, he won twice, had circumstances prevent him from winning a few other races (Pocono, Michigan, Richmond), was within 45 points of the championship lead at one point in the Summer to a guy who couldn't do any wrong that year if he tried, and finished a distant second. The possibilities seemed endless for the short term. Was a 50 year old Dale Earnhardt gonna take back his sport, hoist that big Winston Cup trophy one last time? Those were not pipe dreams like they were during his injury years. And then we lost him. Frozen in time as STILL The Intimidator. 1063. The Long Shot posted: 09.20.2013 - 5:19 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) On the subject of Gordon, the reason why the Gordon haters are few and far between is fairly obvious, Bro Jackson. Gordon is basically the last thing that connects the sport today to what the sport was 15-20 years ago. Bill Elliott is retired, Terry Labonte's starts come once in a blue moon, and other drivers like Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, and Jeff Burton don't have much left in the tank. Gordon is the only one of those drivers who is still a week in and week out contender, and when he does win races, it makes people reminisce about the "good ol' days". Sure, people hated him when he was younger, but somehow, as time goes by and drivers age, people's opinions start to become fonder and fonder of that driver. People hated Dale Earnhardt when he first came into Cup, but by the time he was killed, he was arguably the most popular driver in the sport. And why was that, you ask? Because of the same reason that people are now so fond of Gordon now. In another 15 years, Kyle Busch might be one of the most popular drivers in the sport, just because he is a link to the past. You wonder why Dale Jr. is so popular? Because not only is he a link to the past, but a link to, again, arguably the most popular driver of all-time, Dale Earnhardt. 1064. cjs3872 posted: 09.20.2013 - 5:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Not only that The Long Shot, but there's something else involved. When any athlete is dominating a sport, he's rarely popular, especially if he knocks a guy off the top that's popular. Gordon was like, as he knocked of Dale Earnhardt. Another guy that was like that was Jack Nicklaus. People despised Nicklaus for years because he off knocked Arnold Palmer, the most popular player in golf when Nicklaus was coming up. But when the foreign players became a formidable force in the late 70s, Nicklaus became the most popular player, mainly because America knew was one of theirs, not to mention the fact that he was a link to the days of Palmer, Gary Player, and Billy Casper. Heck, he even battled with Sam Snead and Ben Hogan early in his career. The one thing about sport is the links to the past. Baseball in 1951 was a perfect case. Willie Mays, who played against Reggie Jackson in the World Series in 1973, also played against Joe DiMaggio in the '51 World Series in DiMaggio's final year. DiMaggio had been teammates with Lou Gehrig in the 30s, and Gehrig was teammates with Babe Ruth and played against the likes of Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and others that starred in the 1910s. Racing's that way, too. A.J. Foyt is a test case, albeit extreme. There are drivers racing today that Foyt raced against, while Foyt also raced against guys like Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathmann, Parnelli Jones, all four Bettenhausens (Tony Sr., Gary, Merle and Tony, Jr.), two generations of Vukovichs, Andrettis, Allisons, Unsers, and even drivers that ran in NASCAR's very first strictly stock race in 1949. Think about that for a minute. Foyt raced against drivers that raced in the 1930s, as well as drivers that are racing today. Like I said, his is an extreme case, but the point is that athletes in every sport compete against both those that proceed them and those that follow them. 1065. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 09.21.2013 - 1:09 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Who would have thought back in the late 90's, that the guy driving that rainbow-colored car and was ripped on for being a "kid" would be most like Dale Earnhardt later in his career compared to the younger drivers? 1066. ch posted: 09.22.2013 - 7:53 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Sponsor Change: 40 - Circle Sport (Both Hillman and Falk are co-owners on both cars) 1067. b4il3y posted: 09.27.2013 - 4:28 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) RCR Guy..thank you. Signs of the times. 1068. b4il3y posted: 09.27.2013 - 4:29 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) tl'dr stuff. tell me, what do you really think guys? 1069. b4il3y posted: 09.27.2013 - 4:42 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Too bad, that the sport has taken the garbage turn it is, good lord, I wish Dale hasn't died. If you want to debate me, please, debate me. The sport is a pussification (George Bailey, and not the Christmas movie, my dad, bless his soul. "Of itself right now." My God, where have we gone. Look at what were are debating.. please, all the posters think. Where has this sport gone? My goodness, this is not what the founding fathers of the sport imagined. Yes, time will change things, but good lord.. This is so far removed from what they had envisioned its not even funny. Sorry if this is unpopular, but my father, who grew up watching NASCAR and loving it, would turn over in his grave seeing what this crap has become. Chase? No. Plates, No. (Don't give me crap about safety, these driver don't have the balls to do as fast to even warrant the need, they won't do that fast, because they won't have the balls to even try it. The cars will be safe, and the fans will be as well.) Stock? Yes. Sorry if this is unpopular, but this is my opinion, and I will stand by it. 1070. b4il3y posted: 09.27.2013 - 4:44 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sorry if tl'dr. But, changes need to happen. 1071. Altracing posted: 01.14.2018 - 11:06 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) First career cup series start for Justin Allgaier 1072. rm posted: 04.18.2020 - 2:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The most mechanical failures of the Gen-6 era in Cup, with 11...though at least three of the DNFs give the impression of start-and-parks (and possibly Tony Raines as well, if there was any legitimate issue I missed any mention of it during the broadcast). 1073. Onion posted: 04.18.2020 - 10:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Raines must have been an S&P too. The Circle Sport car parked in a handful of races that year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Post a comment:* Your comment may not appear immediately - all comments must be approved by the moderator. Name: Comment: