With all the rule changes. The New Car of Tomorrow. Green-white-checker finishes. Controversial Finishes.
The Economic Climate . Fines,suspensions, TRACK CLOSINGS , track openings,etc.,etc.,etc. There
probably will come some times when I have a thing,or 3 to say.
Therefore I have decided to set this section aside for that purpose.
However ,I beg you to pardon my grammar !!! It was never one of my better subjects !!! LOL !!!
(8/12/10)
Jimmie Johnson ,and the 48 team "Sputtering "? Will this continue in "The Chase " ? Only time
will tell. But I will not be surprised to see Jimmie hoisting the trophy again, in Las Vegas.
Courteousy of CBS Sports
(http://www.cbssports.com/autoracing):
(7/28/10)
Are NASCAR drivers being denied Constitutional Right ?
Courteousy of MSNBC.com (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/3032830/ns/sports-motor_sports) :
Jason Smith / Getty Images
{ To issue a fine for a driver,or drivers, for recklessness on the tracks is one thing (and that's
okay with me). But when the drivers are criticizing NASCAR for whatever the reason(s) might be (other than driver recklessness).
I can't help but wonder if this is some form of censorship.
A basic denial of one of our Constitutional Rights.
Freedom of Speech.
Just my humble opinion ?
I don't think I'm alone here.
Joe }
(7/14/10)
We can't afford to lose our " local " short tracks !
(7/14/10 )
Courteousy of NASCAR.com
(http://www.nascar.com/):
As the economic downturn affects even NASCAR's high and mighty megateams in the Cup Series, the small-time regional operations
are being hit the hardest.
{ We've lost hundreds,or perhaps thousands, of these tracks over the last 20 -30 years.
If we don't do everything we can to support these tracks.We'll lose them all .
NASCAR itself is hurting these tracks.
Most of these tracks are family owned and operated,and run their weekend / family
oriented events of Friday, or Saturday nights.
I like to think of them as "Mom & Pop" type operations. Just like your neighbor that
runs the "corner store" or the local deli,or pizza parlor/
With so many NASCAR Sprint Cup / Nationwide/ Truck Series races on Friday, and Saturday
Nights . Many fans tend to stay home,and watch the races on tv.Rather than go to their local tracks.
Lately I'm finding that the racing action at my 2 "local tracks" (Wall Stadium ...http://wallspeedway.com/
,and New Egypt Speedway ...http://www.newegyptspeedway.net/),is much better, than the increasingly dull NASCAR races.
The ticket prices ,along with the food, drinks,and souvies,at these tracks ,are generally
affordable. Much more affordable than going to a major NASCAR race.
AND !!!! If you want "atmosphere" . Good times. Meet up with good friends. On a "regular
basis".
Your local tracks are the place to be !
If it wasn't for them. We wouldn't have NASCAR.
I can assure you. This is not "Just my humble opininion"
Joe } | |
(7/13/10)
Too soon for Austin Dillon
( article courteousy of SpeedTv.com)
TRUCKS: Could Dillon Ride The 3 To Top Level?
Austin Dillon notched his first Camping World Truck Series win on Sunday
at Iowa Speedway... more
Wo !!!
Wait a minute !!!
I think the media is reading more into this than they probably should
.
This is just one win. Austin Dillon's first one at that.
It's far to soon to to be thinking that he could be the one to return
the famous # 3 to the top level of NASCAR.
Give the guy a chance .
It's to soon to put that kind of pressure on him.
Just my humble opinion.
Joe
(7/2/10)
Daytona International Speedway is finally going to "repave".
Here is something that I posted on the main page, once before,and is long overdue
Courteousy of Daytona International Speedway (http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/):
Featured News
4/24/2010Summary
For only the second time in its history, Daytona International Speedway will be repaved following the Coke Zero 400 Powered
By Coca-Cola in July, track President Robin Braig announced.
{ What I canot understand is this:
With the track clearly "coming apart" during February's Daytona 500. Why couldn't they have started
this then,or at the latest,after their "bike weeks" in early March ?
But I'm not in road construction. So only the "experts" would know why .
Joe}
(6/29/10)
Danica Patrick
Courteousy of CBS Sports
(http://www.cbssports.com/autoracing ) :
" Write her off ? "
Write her off?
{ My opinion on Danica :
Danica needs to commit fully to NASCAR. If she does that,then I would say that she just needs
more time . Not "write her off".
If she doesn't commit fully to NASCAR. Then maybe ...just maybe...we should "write her off".
I'm hoping that Danica decides to commit fully to NASCAR. But I think she just may stay, full
time, in the IRL.
Whatever Danica does. She has a fan here .
Joe }
(6/11/10)
My opinion on this tiring/ childish / potentially dangerous "feud" between the Harvicks ,and
Logano's :
{ I have a word of advice for Kevin Harvick,and Joey Logano.
This child-like idiocy of a "feud" is tiring,and potentially dangerous,for them,and
their fellow drivers.
Get over it NOW !
This has gone to far. If the drivers won't end it ,PEACEFULLY. Then NASCAR must step in ,and park
them for a race,or 2,or more.
I wouldn't even wait until the green flag waves on Sunday afternoon.
NASCAR should tell them to end it now.Or they're out of the race on Sunday.
"Just my humble opinion "
Joe }
(5/31/10)
Memorial Day "Double" for Indy drivers,and NASCAR drivers.
Courteousy of SpeedTv.com
(http://www.speedtv.com/):
It's time for someone to challenge both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600...
{ I totally agree with Tom Jensen. It's time to do this.
You know,that Tony Stewart wants it. So does Bruton Smith. Probably so does Juan Pablo Montoya,Sam
Hornish Jr.,Robby Gordon, John Andretti, Danica Patrick,Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske,and maybe even " The King" himself, Richard
Petty.
Think of the crossover fans for both the IRL,and NASCAR. Not to mention ,the Tv ratings for both series.
When Tony Stewart did it,a few years ago. He was hugely successful in both races.
Totally exhausted ? Yes ! But hugely successful.
This Memorial Day Double ,has been done in the past.
It can ,and should be done,in the not -to-distant, future.
Just my humble opinion (but it looks like I'm not alone !).
Joe }
(3/16/10 )
Are " Criminal Charges " really necessary ?
Courteousy of MSNBC.com (
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/3032830/ns/sports-motor_sports) :
On-track retaliation may draw criminal charges
If NASCAR drivers are going to retaliate against their fellow competitors, they might get more than three weeks probation
because of it. They could find themselves in trouble with the law. Full storyJoe Sebo / AP
{ I need to look at this more closely. But, while there are times when this may be necessary. Just trying to get another
car to move over,is usually the intention , Along with, some "revenge" . But our top level drivers aren't out there intending
to hurt, their counterparts. " Criminal Charges" may be going, just a little bit to far.
Although I have seen, heard,and read about some incidents,at the local "Saturday Night" short tracks. Where tempers are
much more likely to flair. On track,and off track matters get pushed to far,and YES, this may be necessary.
Just my opinion , Joe }
(3/12/10
Stuck In The Middle / My take on the Keselowski -Edwards -NASCAR penalty
issue
I don't really know what to say on this matter. Hence the title "Stuck In The Middle".
I agreed with NASCAR,when they decided to loosen their grip,and let the drivers handle their own issues
their way. But I agreed,knowing that something like this was almost bound to happen ,and therefore,handicapped themselves.
While it doe's appear to me that several drivers, Denny Hamlin,Carl Edwards,and,I believe,Kyle Busch,
(and maybe a few others) have all had on track issues with Brad Keselowski, in the recent past ( and maybe, Brad had some
sort of retaliation coming).I do not understand why Carl did what he did,when he did.
Hey Carl ! I like you a lot. But I also like Brad.
You are both great drivers.
But why ? WHY ,Carl ? Why did you do that at Atlanta ? Then basically say that,while you didn't intend
to flip the 12 car.You did intend for some sort of retaliation ?
With Bristol,and Martinsville,coming up in the next 2 race weekends. You know these tracks are nightmares
to sheet metal mechanics.
Everyone will be "beating and banging " on each other. Plus,it's not nearly as likely that cars will
be flipping over. Therefore not as dangerous to the drivers,and possibly ,the fans.
Yes ! Just like what happened between you,and Brad,at Talledega,last year,when a fan did get hurt.
Something similar could've happened at Atlanta.
Therefore .Why didn't you wait ? ( And be more careful with your comments ?)
Now to the NASCAR penalty.
Again,I applaud the decision to loosen the grip.Yet I do feel that the penalty you assessed to
Carl Edwards was to light.
Let's face it. The matter needed to be addressed,and done so,swiftly.
NASCAR did that. Acted swiftly. Kudos again to NASCAR.
However, the 3 race "probation" simply wasn't enough.Merely a slap on the wrist / "don't do it again".
While I do feel that a suspension would've been wrong. ( How many times could Dale Earnhardt have been
suspended ?.But NASCAR would not have dared to even think that !).I do feel that a points penalty should've been added.
So I'm "stuck in the middle".
I like Carl Edwards.
I like Brad Keselowski.
But Carl was wrong .Not so much for what he did. It really was when he did it.
I also like NASCAR. Although I wish the COT,didn't exist.
But that's just me.Just my humble opinion.
Joe
(11/26/09)
A few comments from me re, JJ winning another title, and NASCAR's winning the fans back (mostly the NASCAR
thing though)
1. I am most impressed by the performance of Jimmie Johnson,Chad Knaus,and the entire Lowes team .
They are the superior team right now. Have been for the last 4 years,and who knows how much longer
that dominance will continue.
2. For NASCAR to start winning the fans back. Several things, I think,have to happen
A. Brian France must step down . Or at least start dealing with reality. But he seems incapable of doing that.
B. The Car of Tomorrow has got to go
C. The track ticket prices have to be reduced
D. The prices for the souvies (not just at the tracks,but also at the malls,and your local / on-line stores)
have to be reduced also. While the vendors don't have much control over that. Guess who does ? NASCAR. So if NASCAR reduces
their prices to the vendors. Then the vendors can reduce their prices to their loyal buyers,and in doing so,create more sales
all around.
" Just my humble opinion "
Joe
(11/16/09)
In with the old. Out with the New !
It's time to scrap the Chase point system ! Just throw it into the trash heap !
Courteousy of Jayski :
UNOFFICIAL Sprint Cup CLASSIC - the OLD way - Driver Points Standings
[after Phoenix, race 35
of 36]:
pos, car#, driver, points, behind
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 4996
2) #14-Tony Stewart(X), 4983, -13
3)
#24-Jeff Gordon(X), 4940, -56
4) #5-Mark Martin(X), 4635, -361
5) #11-Denny Hamlin(X), 4611, -385
6) #2-Kurt Busch(X),
4593, -403
7) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya(X), 4454 -542
8) #16-Greg Biffle(X), 4420, -576
9) #39-Ryan Newman(X), 4353,
-643
10) #18-Kyle Busch, 4310, -686
11) #9-Kasey Kahne(X), 4276, -720
12) #17-Matt Kenseth, 4265, -731
13) #99-Carl
Edwards(X), 4252, -744
14) #33-Clint Bowyer, 4224, -772
15) #00-David Reutimann, 4103, -893
16) #83-Brian Vickers(X),
4024, -972
(X) a chase driver.(11-15-2009)
(11/12/09)
The Fans don't want to see the COT anymore !
Courteousy of ESPN.com :
Car Of Forever?
NASCAR's perception is this car is the best it's ever had, and it won't be changed. Fans can't
seem to hate it enough. The fans' perception should be what counts. Ed Hinton » Hinton chat wrap »
{ Personal note .
I agree with the fans !
" Just my humble opinion "
Joe }
(10/10/09)
ISC,and SMI looking to jointly buy Dover ?
Courteousy of Jayski :
ISC, SMI looked to jointly purchase Dover in 2007: Speedway Motorsports Inc. and International Speedway Corp. formed
an alliance two years ago to look into the possible purchase of Dover International Speedway, according to a letter from Dover
Motorsports Inc. general counsel to one of its shareholders. The letter was sent last month to Mario Cibelli, managing member
of Marathon Partners, which owns 16.3 percent of the company's common stock (but only 1.5 percent of voting stock) and a harsh
critic of Dover management who wants the company to be sold. In a filing Thursday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
Cibelli asks for a forum on issues pertaining to Dover Motorsports shareholders, and the letter is posted on the forum project's
Web site. Dover general counsel Klaus M. Belohoubek writes in the letter that Cibelli's actions might have thwarted the potential
sale by driving down the asking price. A Dover spokesman said the company had no comment but did confirm the authenticity
of the letter. The letter states that on May 2, 2007, Dover Motorsports Chairman Henry Tippie, Belohoubek and other Dover
Motorsports executives met with SMI Chairman Bruton Smith and now-ISC CEO Lesa France Kennedy in an airplane hangar in Dallas
to entertain an offer to acquire Dover.(SceneDaily)(10-10-2009)
Personal Note Here ! Whatever they want to do with Dover is fine with me. BUT ....DON'T EVEN CONSIDER
TAKING AWAY ANY RACE DATES !!!
The Philadelphia / Baltimore/ South Jersey area has the largest NASCAR fan base North of the Mason- Dixon
Line.
To even take away 1 race date from Dover,or Pocono , would be a serious mistake by NASCAR .
But that's " just my humble opinion"
(7/13/09)
Speedway reducing ticket prices
Phoenix offers $25 Reserved seats for November Cup race: Phoenix International Raceway is offering a $25 reserved
seat to fans for the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil on November 15 – an unprecedented value
to watch the semifinal race in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup. Beyond the hard-charging Sprint Cup action of the
Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, fans can secure three full nights of NASCAR action for a mere $47 by purchasing the
NASCAR Extreme Value Ticket Package. PIR is offering a $15 reserved seat to its Nationwide Series race on Saturday, November
14 and a $7 reserved seat for the Lucas Oil 150 in the Camping World Truck Series on Friday, November 13. PIR kicks off the
November race weekend with grassroots USAC racing as part of the famed Copper World Classic on Thursday, November 12. Tickets
for the November NASCAR event weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are available now by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223)
or visiting www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(7-13-2009)
{ Personal opinion and the reason that I'm using this as tonights headline .
In todays down economy .This is an excellent idea. All the major tracks should do this. Not just for one
race. Or racing weekend. But for EVERY RACE on EVERY RACING WEEKEND.
Permanently !
But that's " Just My Humble Opinion ! "
Joe}
(6/4/09)
Double File Restarts
Courteousy of Yahoo Sports
NASCAR implements double-file restarts
I also saw similar stuff on other NASCAR news sites
I have somewhat mixed feelings on this.
1. I can see it making for better racing,and more interesting for the fans.
2. I can also see it making for more trouble on the
tracks. Especially late in the races.
Most of the times. Under the old format, of lapped cars starting on the inside. The
lapped cars did,eventually , move over . Usually without much of a fight.
Now there will be more of a fight.
Is it a good thing ?
Yes.
Do I like it ?
Yes !
Am I concerned about the potential for more wrecks ?
Yes.
But that's "Just my humble opinion" !
Joe
(4/13/09)
Courteousy of ESPN.com :
Live on ESPN2: NASCAR Now
The Blame Game
If you're looking for someone to blame for what's happened to Dale Earnhardt Inc. -- and the apparent demise of the No.
8 -- Teresa Earnhardt isn't the place to start. David Newton » Your thoughts »
{ My "humble opinion" on this ? She should've sold to Dale Jr. when she had the chance. The sponsors tend to follow
the Earnhardt name. Whether Dale Jr. is winning ,or not.}
(3/7/09)
Bruton Smith is blaming President Obama for declining
track attendence.
Courteousy of Yahoo Sports :
Hey, Mr. President
Bruton Smith places some blame for lower ticket sales on President Obama.
Busbee blog
{ Personal observation. Apparently Bruton Smith has forgotten,that this process began months before
President Obama was even nominated by the Democratic Party,to be their Presidential candidate.
Now let's think about it. Who was President then ? Not Barack Obama. Instead ,it was George
W. Bush.
"Just my humble opinion"
Joe }
(2/18/09)
Several opinions re. the Daytona 500 (aka Jr. and the rain )
Re. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
LOL ! I know I'm not the only one wondering why Dale Jr. wasn't penalized. Not just from Carolyn SS. Hastings "Jeff
Gordon # 24 " newsletter. But also from other newsletters,and conversations I've had,plus emails I've received.
(And 2 of them are Dale Jr.fans !!!)
We're all agreeing that it probably was because his name is EARNHARDT.
Re. the rain.
Calling it when they did. I believe it was the right call. For the comfort of the fans,and the needs of the drivers and
teams.
HOWEVER !!!
NASCAR knew the rain was coming.
What they should've cancelledwas not the last 1/4 of the race.
Instead, they should've cancelled ,the pre-race concert .
Don't get me wrong.I like Keith Urban !. But with the rain coming,and most of the fans already there.
They should've avoided all the hoopla ,and started the race early.
That's "just my humble opinion" !
(2/8/09)
With the current state of the nations economy,and an increasing number of empty seats at the NASCAR tracks. It is time
for NASCAR to take drastic action.
Here is what I think,is some of the things that NASCAR must change in order to win back the fans . Not necessarily
in this order:
1. The COT. If they want to keep it,and it looks like they do. Get rid of that ugly nose. Make it look more like
the vehicles we drive. The wing is okay,but the nose must go
2. The Chase doesn't work. At least not in it's current format.
Until they can come up with something that will work. Go back to the old "classic" format.
3. Only an idiot still believes that these restrictor plates DO NOT PREVENT "The big ones" on the superspeedways. The cars
are now,so bunched together,usually. "The big one" is more likely to happen.
4. LOWER THE TICKET PRICES ! Most of the fans can't afford to pay the $ 95 - $150 -$200+ for these tickets.
In todays economy,I firmly believe a 50% drop in these prices,will help bring more fans to the tracks.
5. The track vendors should also lower their prices too. It's ridiculous to have to pay $3.50 for a slice of pizza. $4.00
for a plain burger,or hot dog. $3.00 for a bottle of water.$ 3.50 for soda . ( I don't drink beer,but those prices are in
the $ 5-6-$7.00 range.
Throw in the souvies. $25.00-$35.00 for a hat . T-shirts are approaching $40.00. Die-cast cars ? HA ! $65.00,and that's
probably getting you an '07 car !
Granted,the vendors have to make their money,or they wouldn't even be there. But they have to pay rental /licensing
fees to the tracks. Or they wouldn't be allowed to operate on track grounds.
AND...we all know who owns most of these tracks. So it's very much time,for ISC,and SMI,along with Dover,Pocono,and
Indy,to lower their licensing fees.
What it all comes down to is this. The fans can't afford to go to the races anymore,and when they do go. They don't
quite like what they're seeing.
HOWEVER... Lower those prices. The fans will like it more.
That's all I can think of . For now ,at least.
"Just my humble opinion "
Joe
(2/7/09)
Shootout race attendance observation.
What if they ran a race,and nobody came ?
WOW ! No one on the backstretch, but I believe those stands were closed anyhow.
HOWEVER...The main grandstands look less than 1/2 full. The bad economy is really hitting
NASCAR's fans , HARD.
(1/4/09) Are we going to lose another "local" short track ?
Courteousy of Jayski (with a comment from me) :
Tucson Raceway Park in trouble: The operator of Tucson Raceway Park has pulled out of his agreement with the Southwestern Fair Commission, putting in doubt the future of stock-car racing at
the 3/8-mile track southeast of Tucson. The fair commission and the leaseholder, Deery Sports West, are looking for a new
operator and said they are optimistic they can find someone before the season starts in March. They said a number of groups
have expressed interest in running the track, but they were not ready to name names and no deal is imminent. The track, which
is owned by Pima County and leased along with the Pima County Fairgrounds to the Southwestern Fair Commission, is the only
paved short track in Arizona. The fair commission leases the track to Deery Sports West, which ran the track for several years
before subleasing it yet again to Innovative Racing LLC 2 1/2 years ago. It is Innovative Racing that has pulled out of the
agreement, saying it can no longer operate the track. Deery Sports remains the primary leaseholder, but the family that runs
it now is based in Illinois, running tracks there. Southwest Fair Commission Executive Director Jon Baker said Deery needs
to either run the track or find someone to run it. "We do not intend to shut it down," Baker said.(Arizona Star)(1-4-2009)
{ Personal note. This is an all to familiar tune,across the country,and especially
here in New Jersey.
When is NASCAR going to realize that ,without these local short tracks. The sport
will die ? }
(12/21/08)
My Opinion on "The Big 3 Auto Bailout" :
Courteousy of MSNBC.com :
Federal-loans lifeline means United Auto Workers union accepts changes that some view as surrender.
Full story
{ Being a union member. While I do recognize that the economy is in very bad shape. It's NOT...I
repeat NOT...due to the American workers,and their unions.
Instead it is the direct result of the 'We don't care about the employees. Just
the big dollar owners / CEOs' ,and major shareholders'. Who are running rampant with wasteful / shameful spending
and the fact that, Washington DC politicians have allowed this to go on for years,and years,and are continuing to do so.
" Just my humble opinion "
But I'm sure I'm not alone here
Joe }
(12/6/08)
Several personal comments on the 2008 Sprint Cup Awards Banquet
1. It sure was great to see Cale Yarborough, the only other 3-peat winner ,at the Cup Level,on the
stage with J.J.last night !!!
2. With all the money he won. I'd like to be J.J's. next best friend .
3. NO Jay Mohr !!!
4. I loved when Denny Hamlin told Joe,and J.D. Gibbs,about he sleepless nights they might be having
until Daytona. Thinking about Denny being their Senior driver next year.
5. Why was Tom Cruise really there ? Other than to sit next to Jeff Gordons wife Ingrid,and receive
an "honorable mention" by Rick Hendrick, of Cole Trickle being one of his favorite ,retired drivers.
6. Did it seem that Tony Stewart was getting a little bleary-eyed,talking about his 10 years with Joe
Gibbs Racing,and Greg Zippadelli ,ending. It sure looked like "Zippy" had a little tear there.
7. Carl Edwards seemed a little uncomfortable with a 2nd place finish. Didn't he ? (Should make
the 99 team very,very interesting to watch in 2009 .)
8. Kyle Busch was really funny ! He also seemed uncomfortable with his 10th place finish. ( The 18 team
should also be "very,very interesting to watch",next year.)
9. Several of the drivers reminded us of our soldiers who are fighting to keep us free.
10 . Richard Petty on the stage !!! This sport would not have achieved it's popularity without "The King" .
(Did you notice the many looks of concern,amongst the drivers,evidently regarding the future of ,and possible loss of, Petty
Enterprises ?)
11. Yes ,the banquet did run a little long,and had some slow moments. However...it had many good moments.
Overall ? Not a bad banquet,at all.
Just my humble opinion
Joe
