The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing thread

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 11 Jun 2017, 13:11

Bobby Labonte is now a EuroNASCAR Reject!

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 02 Jul 2017, 23:12

This year is the Stenhouse year. Unbelievable result. Top 10 full of underdogs (bar Danica) at Daytona.

lance_rambert · Post by **lance_rambert** » 20 Jul 2017, 14:51

East Londoner wrote:Alex Bowman in the #88 full time next year though? Yes pls.

The folks at Hendrick have the real answer. :dance:

Samster · Post by **Samster** » 20 Jul 2017, 23:34

lance_rambert wrote:
East Londoner wrote:Alex Bowman in the #88 full time next year though? Yes pls.

The folks at Hendrick have the real answer.

Justice prevails.

The recent Kenseth rumours had me worried especially since Erik Jones was confirmed in the #20.

Samster · Post by **Samster** » 21 Jul 2017, 20:52

One possibility would be for Cup drivers to be limited to five Xfinity races only regardless of their experience level, which could be a significant cut for some drivers.

Yes please.

http://www.espn.co.uk/jayski/nxs/2017/s ... ity-series

lance_rambert · Post by **lance_rambert** » 23 Jul 2017, 03:40

Justin Allgaier easily takes ROTR of the Xfinity Indianapolis race for being the main cause of, frankly, the most god-awful, bathplugged up disaster of a pit stop I've ever seen. :facepalm:

Oh, and the restrictor plate + front bumper aero mod package did its job of producing a much relatively better race than those previous.

Samster · Post by **Samster** » 24 Jul 2017, 00:31

lance_rambert wrote:Justin Allgaier easily takes ROTR of the Xfinity Indianapolis race for being the main cause of, frankly, the most god-awful, bathplugged up disaster of a pit stop I've ever seen.

Oh, and the restrictor plate + front bumper aero mod package did its job of producing a much relatively better race than those previous.

Think the Cup guys have just outdone Allgaier's scrub gang. The end of this race is pure ARCA. What was Johnson thinking trying to go for the lead with a smoking engine did he really think that would end well? :facepalm:

And just now McDowell managed to cause a pile up on the restart before they even cross the line. :facepalm:

lance_rambert · Post by **lance_rambert** » 24 Jul 2017, 02:34

I don't know any other way to put this, but...

Kasey Kahne finally won a race!

...although race control decided to be goits again, by waiting until Kahne crossed the overtime line to throw the race-ending caution despite a wreck being triggered far enough back to warrant doing so. :facepalm:

Xfinity race control annoyingly did the same thing @ Daytona. Seriously, NASCAR, just toss the bathplug rule if you're not even going to utilize it properly.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 25 Jul 2017, 17:12

Samster wrote:[

Think the Cup guys have just outdone Allgaier's scrub gang. The end of this race is pure ARCA. What was Johnson thinking trying to go for the lead with a smoking engine did he really think that would end well? And just now Kahne causes a massive pileup by not acceratering at all during a restart..

FTFY.

Oh well, NASCAR gifted him that one. Massive wreck on the backstretch, wait util one sec AFTER they cross the overtime line to throw the flag. Lame. I know Indy has no lights but come on! Oh well, they show Kenseth his new seat is a decent ride anyway. Also, holy shite, did anyone know there was a race on? Attendance was what? 40k? Maybe? At a track that holds 300k!

Samster · Post by **Samster** » 26 Jul 2017, 05:15

Wallio wrote:
Samster wrote:[

Think the Cup guys have just outdone Allgaier's scrub gang. The end of this race is pure ARCA. What was Johnson thinking trying to go for the lead with a smoking engine did he really think that would end well? And just now Kahne causes a massive pileup by not acceratering at all during a restart..

FTFY.

Oh well, NASCAR gifted him that one. Massive wreck on the backstretch, wait util one sec AFTER they cross the overtime line to throw the flag. Lame. I know Indy has no lights but come on! Oh well, they show Kenseth his new seat is a decent ride anyway. Also, holy shite, did anyone know there was a race on? Attendance was what? 40k? Maybe? At a track that holds 300k!

Can't say I blame them honestly. Probably got sick of the amount of times they were wrecking. :facepalm:

CarloSpace · Post by **CarloSpace** » 26 Jul 2017, 14:53

Wallio wrote:
Samster wrote:[

Think the Cup guys have just outdone Allgaier's scrub gang. The end of this race is pure ARCA. What was Johnson thinking trying to go for the lead with a smoking engine did he really think that would end well? And just now Kahne causes a massive pileup by not acceratering at all during a restart..

FTFY.

No. He was still in the restarting zone and the other drivers shouldn't accelerate before the leader does or the green flag waves. Kahne had the right to wait and McDowell et al. should respect that right.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 26 Jul 2017, 17:03

The rule states you can go to the second line, yes. But on a restart at the end of the race, at a track as hard to pass at as Indy, anyone with a lick of common sense, so not KK, knows people are going to go. There was about 26 cars left at that point and all of them BUT the leader decided to go. Good luck penalizing the whole field.

In other news Penske is expanding to three cars as Blaney moves over next year. Menard has bought the Wood Bros. seat (which mean the prettiest car on tour will now run the ghastly Menards colors) opening the RCR seat for Ty Dillion, opening the 13 for Kahne once Kenseth moves to the 5. Follow all that? lol

CarloSpace · Post by **CarloSpace** » 26 Jul 2017, 19:36

Wallio wrote:The rule states you can go to the second line, yes. But on a restart at the end of the race, at a track as hard to pass at as Indy, anyone with a lick of common sense, so not KK, knows people are going to go. There was about 26 cars left at that point and all of them BUT the leader decided to go. Good luck penalizing the whole field.

Nowhere did I say anyone should be penalised. I just feel it's unfair to blame Kahne for that pile-up when he did nothing wrong. Perhaps his team were thinking such a crash could happen and waited until the last moment to restart on purpose? After all, Kahne would have been (and was) the main benefitor of that as long as he wasn't involved.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 26 Jul 2017, 21:28

CarloSpace wrote:Nowhere did I say anyone should be penalised. I just feel it's unfair to blame Kahne for that pile-up when he did nothing wrong. Perhaps his team were thinking such a crash could happen and waited until the last moment to restart on purpose? After all, Kahne would have been (and was) the main benefitor of that as long as he wasn't involved.

I dunno, to me he HAD to know everyone would start pushing right at the first line, thus he caused the crash. Just like on a Saturday night dirt track. Honestly he's lucky it did work out for him, he got tagged hard enough I'm surprised he didn't go around.

Post by **Londoner** » 01 Aug 2017, 17:20

So it seems all hell has broken loose at SHR.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 02 Aug 2017, 14:16

Rumor is a two car team next year with Bowyer and Mr. Delana.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 03 Aug 2017, 11:39

I can't see SHR downsizing by half at all, especially not with the support they get from Ford.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 03 Aug 2017, 13:45

SHR downsize to three cars? Plausible.
SHR downsize to two cars? Not gonna happen.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 03 Aug 2017, 14:41

While I personally don't believe it, NBC, FOX, and ESPN have all mentioned it, although its only a "rumor". Its a bit more plausible than we might think though. The Ford money isn't that much, they get less than Roush in fact. (Woods bros. get more too, if you count the Quicklane money)

Harvick and Bowyer have primary sponsors. (Busch/JJ and Mobil 1)

Kurt had only Haas and Monster, Gene is no doubt looking to cut back, especially since he's funding his F1 team nearly solo. Monster has the option to extend their sponsorship of the whole series by two years to 2020 (an option they need to exercise by September 1, IIRC) why sponsor a car when you can sponsor the whole series?

Danica is interesting in that she used to bankroll the other cars, but now she doesn't have a primary sponsor, at least not one to actually foot the bills (all of this years crash damage certainly doesn't help). Danica was supposedly on the way out anyway. The rumor was that Kasey Kahne would take over the 10. Well his two primary sponsors are out. Farmers is done period, and Red Bull is blocked by Monster.

When NASCAR announced the changes to Busch driver rules last week, it came out that a Busch, errr Nationwide, err wtf do they call it now? car costs $140K a race to run. A Cup car must be more, so if we figure its $180-200k a race I can easily see a situation where they're a two car team.

Danica is out, and Kahne cant come in, so that's the 10 gone. If Monster re-upps and drops Kurt, why wouldn't Gene move his Haas money to the few remaining races Bowyer doesn't have a sponsor? That way you have two strong cars with all sponsor races filled.

Do I think it will happen? No, I imagine they'll still be a three car team. But can I see it happening? Absolutely.

golic_2004 · Post by **golic_2004** » 28 Aug 2017, 11:52

If this is not Race of the Year so far then it's in the top 3, maybe top 2
https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/ne ... ca-946115/

Well done Jeremy Clements and his family-owned team in a chassis that was built in 2008. :chilton:

Samster · Post by **Samster** » 29 Aug 2017, 19:58

golic_2004 wrote:If this is not Race of the Year so far then it's in the top 3, maybe top 2
https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/ne ... ca-946115/

Well done Jeremy Clements and his family-owned team in a chassis that was built in 2008.

If Clements' cars are that old it makes me wonder what geriatric junk Mike Harmon is running.

Good to see two surprise new winners this weekend in Clements and James Cole in the BTCC.

Shows what can happen when you take Cup drivers out of the series.

Post by **Londoner** » 10 Sep 2017, 09:52

Just when you thought NASCAR couldn't be any bigger a joke, this happened at Richmond last night. Beggars belief. :facepalm:

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 12 Sep 2017, 21:28

Its official, Danica out at SHR. She posted it on her Facebook, and confirmed by NASCAR.com. No word on if she has a ride for next year or if the 10 will be parked.

CarloSpace · Post by **CarloSpace** » 12 Sep 2017, 21:32

Wallio wrote:Its official, Danica out at SHR. She posted it on her Facebook, and confirmed by NASCAR.com. No word on if she has a ride for next year or if the 10 will be parked.

Sounds like they are making space for Almirola & Smithfield and probably going down to three cars next season as Kurt Busch is still without contract (and sponsors) too.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 12 Sep 2017, 22:33

CarloSpace wrote:
Wallio wrote:Its official, Danica out at SHR. She posted it on her Facebook, and confirmed by NASCAR.com. No word on if she has a ride for next year or if the 10 will be parked.

Sounds like they are making space for Almirola & Smithfield and probably going down to three cars next season as Kurt Busch is still without contract (and sponsors) too.

SHR has said they intend to resign Kurt Busch and remain at 4 cars. Likely they're just trying to bargain him down on money.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 13 Sep 2017, 14:09

It does seem that Aric and Smithfield will be SOMEWHERE next year, after the CEO blasting Petty and stating that they aren't leaving NASCAR, just a bad team!

SHR makes sense, since Penske is full and Woods Bros won't expand, and Roush is terrible.

CarloSpace · Post by **CarloSpace** » 13 Sep 2017, 17:08

It's already announced that Smithfield will join SHR: http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2017/story/_/id/20656963/smithfield-moves-stewart-haas-racing

No word on driver however but I'd be very surprised if it's anyone but Almirola.

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 13 Sep 2017, 18:47

So that's another domino down then. So next years field looks like so:

Hendrick: 4 Cars
SHR: 3 Cars (Possibly 4)
Penske: 3 Cars
Roush: 2 Cars
Woods Brothers: 1 Car
Furniture Row: 1 Car (Possibly 2 but Doubtful)
RPM: See Above
Joe Gibbs: 3 Cars
Richard Childress: 2 Cars (Possibly 3: Announced the 27 would remain in July, but has been silent since)
Front Row: 3 Cars!
Ganassi: 2 Cars
BK Racing: 1 Car (Possibly 2, but Doubtful thanks to the tax liens)
Germaine Racing: 1 Car

So 27 Confirmed entries from fully funded teams, with 32 entries possible (and 29 likely). That leaves 8-13 spots for part timers and field fillers. Its a double edged sword, the charters and "5-minute rule" have eliminated the Start-and-Parkers, but they also has kept the series from fielding full grids, even at a reduced number.

CarloSpace · Post by **CarloSpace** » 13 Sep 2017, 19:27

Wallio wrote:Hendrick: 4 Cars
SHR: 3 Cars (Possibly 4)
Penske: 3 Cars
Roush: 2 Cars
Woods Brothers: 1 Car
Furniture Row: 1 Car (Possibly 2 but Doubtful)
RPM: See Above
Joe Gibbs: 3 Cars
Richard Childress: 2 Cars (Possibly 3: Announced the 27 would remain in July, but has been silent since)
Front Row: 3 Cars!
Ganassi: 2 Cars
BK Racing: 1 Car (Possibly 2, but Doubtful thanks to the tax liens)
Germaine Racing: 1 Car

Add to the list at least #32 Go Fas Racing (DiBenedetto confirmed), #95 LFR and 2 cars for JTG Daugherty and it isn't looking that bad, although not very promising either. GMS Racing is also looking to "graduate" to Cup series from NXS with a full-time car. I've also understood that Front Row will probably stay as a two car team since attracting sponsors for three entries is difficult (ask anyone but Penske and Gibbs...

)

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 14 Sep 2017, 18:24

Uhhh, JGR is a 4-car team...

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 15 Sep 2017, 16:29

Salamander wrote:Uhhh, JGR is a 4-car team...

Correct, I forgot they moved Jones to the 20. I keep thinking they shuttered it next year for some reason.

CarloSpace wrote:I've also understood that Front Row will probably stay as a two car team since attracting sponsors for three entries is difficult (ask anyone but Penske and Gibbs... )

I've seen nothing either way on them, but they did buy one of BK Charters for 2018 so they have three. They haven't leased or sold it yet that I have seen.

Furniture Row has announced that they have sold the charter for the 77 for 2018, but not to whom yet. So they are confirmed as one car for next year.

golic_2004 · Post by **golic_2004** » 17 Sep 2017, 14:25

https://www.motorsport.com/nascar/news/ ... sh-954185/

RIP Ted Christopher :cry:

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 21 Sep 2017, 14:24

Kasey Kahne signs with Levine Family Racing, so welcome to mid 30s in finishing order. Rumor is Hendrick is paying his salary since he technically is under contract still for 2018.

A lawsuit filing shows that Farmers was paying $660,000 per race to sponsor KK. Plus six figure bonuses for winning races. Makes you wonder what Lowe's puts out.

andrew · Post by **andrew** » 21 Sep 2017, 19:33

I've been trying to follow NASCAR this year, however looking at the points system the question that arises is why so complicated? We have stages and playoff points and eliminations. It's all rather difficult to follow.

Post by **Ataxia** » 21 Sep 2017, 21:47

andrew wrote:I've been trying to follow NASCAR this year, however looking at the points system the question that arises is why so complicated? We have stages and playoff points and eliminations. It's all rather difficult to follow.

It's a bit over-the-top, but it works. Every other sport works on a knock-out basis, and NASCAR is able to make that work through placing greater value on victories. It's curious that it's not afraid to try completely wacky solutions, although NASCAR has a steep history it's not beholden by it.

I've enjoyed the stage format, it kinda adds another level to the strategy calls that teams make.

Adds some nice variation to every other series, no?

Wallio · Post by **Wallio** » 22 Sep 2017, 14:42

Ataxia wrote:
andrew wrote:I've been trying to follow NASCAR this year, however looking at the points system the question that arises is why so complicated? We have stages and playoff points and eliminations. It's all rather difficult to follow.

It's a bit over-the-top, but it works. Every other sport works on a knock-out basis, and NASCAR is able to make that work through placing greater value on victories. It's curious that it's not afraid to try completely wacky solutions, although NASCAR has a steep history it's not beholden by it.

I've enjoyed the stage format, it kinda adds another level to the strategy calls that teams make.

Adds some nice variation to every other series, no?

Its not terrible, it certainly beats the original pre-knockout Chase, which really only made teams try for 10 races. That being said, its still not a true season championship IMO, although adding "the regular season title" that Truex won helps some.

The trouble was NASCAR thought that their old-season long points lead to boring seasons (cough) KENSETH (cough) but they incorrectly thought it was due to it being season long. It actually had to due with their frighteningly complex points system which rewarded consistency over winning. Consecutive top 5s and top 10s were very important. It was not common for a few drivers to score more points than the winner, and the top 5 of the season usually had several thousand points. If they kept the season long championship but went to a sane system, like they have now, it wouldn't be bad.

Post by **tommykl** » 18 Feb 2018, 23:43

Man, bathplug Austin Dillon.

Post by **Londoner** » 19 Feb 2018, 06:06

tommykl wrote:Man, bathplug Austin Dillon.

This, a hundred times over. What an absolute punk move, and you just know NASCAR are going to milk this for all they can given it's 20 years since the #3 won the 500, and 17 years to the day Sr passed away.

Oh well, I'll happily take Bubba finishing 2nd. :dance:

madmark1974 · Post by **madmark1974** » 19 Feb 2018, 08:46

East Londoner wrote:
tommykl wrote:Man, bathplug Austin Dillon.

This, a hundred times over. What an absolute punk move, and you just know NASCAR are going to milk this for all they can given it's 20 years since the #3 won the 500, and 17 years to the day Sr passed away.

Oh well, I'll happily take Bubba finishing 2nd.

True indeed. To me, the rules seem very inconsistent. Penalise someone an entire lap for fitting their tyres 6 inches out of the box, but let guys win by shunting the opposition off the track on the back straight. What's more dangerous? At least Chase Elliott got what he deserved, and did own up to driving like a **** as well.

One other thing I noticed, was a lot of coverage of what I will refer to as 'grid girls', both before and after the race, and even before some ad breaks. It just stuck out to me, what with the current situation in F1.

golic_2004 · Post by **golic_2004** » 19 Feb 2018, 14:14

I think it's easy to say that Austin Dillon punted Aric Almirola out of the lead on the last lap but I see it differently from the replays. Almirola was by himself leading when he saw that the top draft was the way to go with Dillon leading his group. He just couldn't get as fast as Dillon and got tapped from behind.
From what Almirola mentioned in the interview, it seems he didn't blame Dillon for what he did and feels confident that he can finish better in Atlanta.