2008 is currently underway! And after 2 races, what a year it's already been. Before I go into my analysis, I would like to update certain information that is the main reason for this blog - wes walks.
For the most part, the only team that has had a makeover was moms. But I will refresh everyones memory.
Me:
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Kasey Kahne
Dad:
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Matt Kenseth
Zack:
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Kevin Harvick (*change from 2007*)
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Clint Bowyer
Carl Edwards
*Mom has replaced every person from her original team.
Now, ONLY for the Daytona 500 we changed the rules around a little bit... (this was due to Zack wanting to share his love for Tony Stewart)
We each picked one driver and one alternate. The alternate would only be eligible for wes walk gainage if the main driver complete wrecked out and could not finish all 250 laps.
AND THE WINNER OF DAYTONA....
noone.. Newman won.. and noone picked Newman.. and quite frankly..why would we? Its newman...
so that's that...
Kyle Should have won it... but that's ok... I'd rather have Kyle win the championship this year instead.
Which leads us into the rest how 2008 is the year of Mystery!!
A big question was "Is Toyota going to get their first victory this year?!?!?!?!!"
May I comment to anyone who actually asked this question.... You have got to be kidding me if you don't think that Tony Stewart Kyle Busch or Denny Hamlin are not going to win any races.... Three strong, talented, hungry drivers, you can put them in a soapbox and they will still be able to challenge for wins. And if you have any doubts after Daytona and California... they you need to see a therapist ASAP.
The COT has appeared to equal out the competition... So far, neither chevy nor toyota has won any races...I mean... chevy???? The powerhouse of NASCAR????? Yep, dodge and ford. But that won't last long.... I garantee a C or T win at Las Vegas this weekend. In fact, if given strong cars that don't have any mechanical errors.. or rookie driving errors... I see Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch battling it out for the lead this weekend.
Yes.. I'm talking a lot about KB... but for good reason... 1. he's amazing.... 2. He's leading both the truck and Cup series while only second in the nationwide series 3. everyone else can't stop talking about him - especially DW.....
so there I said it.. Kyle Busch will be a force to be reckoned with this year, and years to come.. He is bringing over the things he has learned Hendrick to the Joe Gibbs organization, where he can finally let down his guard and be himself. Him and Tony work phenomenal together, and Kyle and Denny are best friends off the track. In the laid back atmosphere at JGR, Kyle will only strive, and can only elevate the level of Tony and Denny by making Joe Gibbs, JGR, not 3 totally separate teams, but one powerhouse working together.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, December 2, 2007
NASCAR's Championship Week
Ok! So lets start from the beginning! Crew call for work (filming a commercial for coke) was at 3:30am this morning, I knew that the cars were going to be unloaded at 12am. So I figured that if I get there at 3am, it'll be early enough. I ended up getting there around 2:45am. Jeff's car was uncovered as well as Burton's and Bowyer's cars. All the others were covered. I watched them unload Carl Edwards car and they're revving the engine up 3 feet away from me. It was super intense They were having major issues unloading matt kenseth's car for some reason. I don't know what was going on, but it didn't sound the way the other cars sounded. (at the end Kenseth's bumper was all dented and tore up. Didn't know how that happened until i just saw the article
Anyways... the 3 am pics will have to wait temporarily
So we were filming right around the corner and the same street as the hard rock café - where they ended their victory lap. I got to see some of the cars drive around from an aerial view (I was totally feeling like the Goodyear blimp for the time I watched them)
I missed kyle's car/ I saw burton's and back drive by. 2 min later that's when I get called on my walkie "Jocelyn what's your 20???" the AD said in an urgent voice. So I respond that I'm by the elevators on set. Then him and james - the production mananger start yelling at me to hurry up and get down to the street as fast as I can.... Meanwhile.. the elevators are taking forever and stopped 5 times on the way down. I FINALLY make it to the ground level, and James tells me that the drivers just pulled up in their cars in front of the Hardrock Café.
So now I'm like I MISSED IT?!?!?!?!!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOO and I'm all frustrated.... Until I see Clint Bowyer walking across the street from me!!! So I immediately scream out CLINT!!!!!! And he turns and see me tripping over myself waving my arms crossing the road and screaming congrats!!!! You had a great season!!! So he just starts cracking up laughing at me waves hello and said thanks. Whenever I see that guy there's always laughter involved...
PS.. it might be because we were filming on that street and had all of our trucks there, but it was pretty empty with virtually no fans gathered.. But there were two barricades set up so that you would stay like 4 feet from the driver...
NOW... soon after Clint passed by, Tony, Harvick and Kenseth walk as if they're all pissed off staring straight ahead completely ignoring everyone. I got an uber fuzzy pic of tony and harvick because I thought my camera wasn't working. Carl Edwards tagged along a couple feet back, I got his attention and he flashed me that famous Carl Edwards smile and said hi - he was really nice. After this I start running somewhere I think.. and the camera flies out of my hand and smack center under one of the SUV's they had. So knowing that there were plenty more drivers to come out I lay flat on the NYC street and crawl under the car.
*this is where my PA brothers come in to share this story - one of the guys was telling people in the street that I was changing the oil.. but I digress...
SO I get my camera and out comes Jeff Gordon. Now I'm racing around and somehow break into the barrier with any press people that's there, so there really wasn't anything holding me back. I said congrats to him and shook his hand.. OK.. in all honestly.. I had some super quick convo with him.. but I was sooo hyped up I can't remember anything anyone said to me! Then came out more guys, I can't remember who led the pack but Kyle was walking second looking "focused" and staring straight ahead.. and I screamed out KYLE!!! KYLEE!!!! And on the second time he turns around and I quickly say *like a dumbass might I add "You're my favorite!". At this point he had just passed me.. so he stops short causing Jeff Burton to crash into him and he takes a step back towards me and Burton is all confused and Kurt was like ????? and Kyle goes from his "focused" look to a big smile. _ I think he was happy to have a fan- so now kyle's in front of me smiling and looking right at me and he holds his out hand to me. * melts * So I reach out and he doesn't give me a high five or a hand shake, no, he just hold my hand.... And I'm like... all warm and fuzzy inside. So eventually we let go and I'm in a dream like state, and then I realize.. oh ****!!!! Kurt!!! ... so I scream back KURTTT!!! And he kinda does a look back and wave, but he was still like WTF???
Then lastly Jimmie Johnson walks out and I give him a high five at the end and congratulate him on his championship too.
I will insert pics when I get the chance... but that will take a few days due to work =P
Anyways... the 3 am pics will have to wait temporarily
So we were filming right around the corner and the same street as the hard rock café - where they ended their victory lap. I got to see some of the cars drive around from an aerial view (I was totally feeling like the Goodyear blimp for the time I watched them)
I missed kyle's car/ I saw burton's and back drive by. 2 min later that's when I get called on my walkie "Jocelyn what's your 20???" the AD said in an urgent voice. So I respond that I'm by the elevators on set. Then him and james - the production mananger start yelling at me to hurry up and get down to the street as fast as I can.... Meanwhile.. the elevators are taking forever and stopped 5 times on the way down. I FINALLY make it to the ground level, and James tells me that the drivers just pulled up in their cars in front of the Hardrock Café.
So now I'm like I MISSED IT?!?!?!?!!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOO and I'm all frustrated.... Until I see Clint Bowyer walking across the street from me!!! So I immediately scream out CLINT!!!!!! And he turns and see me tripping over myself waving my arms crossing the road and screaming congrats!!!! You had a great season!!! So he just starts cracking up laughing at me waves hello and said thanks. Whenever I see that guy there's always laughter involved...
PS.. it might be because we were filming on that street and had all of our trucks there, but it was pretty empty with virtually no fans gathered.. But there were two barricades set up so that you would stay like 4 feet from the driver...
NOW... soon after Clint passed by, Tony, Harvick and Kenseth walk as if they're all pissed off staring straight ahead completely ignoring everyone. I got an uber fuzzy pic of tony and harvick because I thought my camera wasn't working. Carl Edwards tagged along a couple feet back, I got his attention and he flashed me that famous Carl Edwards smile and said hi - he was really nice. After this I start running somewhere I think.. and the camera flies out of my hand and smack center under one of the SUV's they had. So knowing that there were plenty more drivers to come out I lay flat on the NYC street and crawl under the car.
*this is where my PA brothers come in to share this story - one of the guys was telling people in the street that I was changing the oil.. but I digress...
SO I get my camera and out comes Jeff Gordon. Now I'm racing around and somehow break into the barrier with any press people that's there, so there really wasn't anything holding me back. I said congrats to him and shook his hand.. OK.. in all honestly.. I had some super quick convo with him.. but I was sooo hyped up I can't remember anything anyone said to me! Then came out more guys, I can't remember who led the pack but Kyle was walking second looking "focused" and staring straight ahead.. and I screamed out KYLE!!! KYLEE!!!! And on the second time he turns around and I quickly say *like a dumbass might I add "You're my favorite!". At this point he had just passed me.. so he stops short causing Jeff Burton to crash into him and he takes a step back towards me and Burton is all confused and Kurt was like ????? and Kyle goes from his "focused" look to a big smile. _ I think he was happy to have a fan- so now kyle's in front of me smiling and looking right at me and he holds his out hand to me. * melts * So I reach out and he doesn't give me a high five or a hand shake, no, he just hold my hand.... And I'm like... all warm and fuzzy inside. So eventually we let go and I'm in a dream like state, and then I realize.. oh ****!!!! Kurt!!! ... so I scream back KURTTT!!! And he kinda does a look back and wave, but he was still like WTF???
Then lastly Jimmie Johnson walks out and I give him a high five at the end and congratulate him on his championship too.
I will insert pics when I get the chance... but that will take a few days due to work =P
Friday, June 1, 2007
Wes Walk : Special Update - Kyle Busch
5.7219 in reply to 5.7218
h t t p://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2007/05/quit-cutting-on-shrub.html
Recently, some of the so-called “experts” have begun to wonder aloud whether Hendrick should dump the Shrub, opening a spot on his Nextel Cup superteam for the eminently available Earnhardt, Jr.
That, racefans, is nothing short of hogwash.
...
I tremble to think what my life would be like if the national media had chronicled my comings and goings at age 22. I was immature, hedonistic, self-centered and rude, just like 99% of the 22-year olds in the world. I made my youthful mistakes under the merciful fog of anonymity, stumbling through one misadventure after another without having to worry about someone taking notes and reporting my misdeeds on ESPN. I said and did some incredibly stupid things, paid the price for that stupidity, and (usually) learned from my mistakes. In time, I emerged a mature, thoughtful adult, or as close to one as I have been able to come.
Kyle Busch will do the same.
...
Make no mistake about it, once Busch discovers the maturity to match his immense talent, he will win races. And Rick Hendrick will have a third Nextel Cup champion in his stable. A champion named Busch, not Earnhardt.
here is my response (in agreeance) to this article:
As a competative 22 year old myself, I can understand all of the actions Kyle has made. There are moments in my life that I would not captured on camera, and there are times where I come across very well.
I'm extremely competative in my line of work, and if things aren't going right then I get mad and walk away from situations to prevent my intense motions from getting in the way. When I cool down, I'm more than willing to move on and/or discuss the situation.
Kyle is no different other than the fact that he has cameras pointing at him X amount of hours a week and people poking microphones in his face. Yes Kyle can be a bit of a hot head, but so can I and when put in certain situations so can everyone else. And one of the reasons Kyle has that reputation is the same exact reason that is going to land him a championship. He is driven (no pun intended) and he is passionate about what he does, and to me, that only spells success.
So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he's thrown his headset... if you think about the reason behind all of that is because he's emotionally invested and cares about the win - which is what racing is all about right?
People tend to focus on that instead of the charitable, funny side that Kyle has shown us - not to mention the newly founded Kyle Busch Foundation that seems to have been overlooked. People also forget that he's being compared to people who are in their 30's 40's and 50's who are married, some with children and have been racing in the Nextel Cup series long before Kyle got started. Jeff Burton is a remarkable guy, but he is years beyond Kyle you can't TRULY compare the two with eachother on a maturity and life experience level. Kyle is exactly where he should be at age 22, and if anything he's more mature than most of the guys I deal with day in and day out.
People also mistake his drive for arrogance, and that also bugs me. Hey, Tony Stewart is a phenomenal driver who has added a lot of spice to the sport, but I garantee you that you won't be hearing Kyle rattle off the word 'retirement' even in the heat of the moment, because that word doesn't exist in the land of Kyle Busch yet. The kid wants to win, and he'll do what it takes to get there. Let him grow and let him learn, give him the respect and the support he deserves and he'll become one of the best race car drivers of his time.
h t t p://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2007/05/quit-cutting-on-shrub.html
Recently, some of the so-called “experts” have begun to wonder aloud whether Hendrick should dump the Shrub, opening a spot on his Nextel Cup superteam for the eminently available Earnhardt, Jr.
That, racefans, is nothing short of hogwash.
...
I tremble to think what my life would be like if the national media had chronicled my comings and goings at age 22. I was immature, hedonistic, self-centered and rude, just like 99% of the 22-year olds in the world. I made my youthful mistakes under the merciful fog of anonymity, stumbling through one misadventure after another without having to worry about someone taking notes and reporting my misdeeds on ESPN. I said and did some incredibly stupid things, paid the price for that stupidity, and (usually) learned from my mistakes. In time, I emerged a mature, thoughtful adult, or as close to one as I have been able to come.
Kyle Busch will do the same.
...
Make no mistake about it, once Busch discovers the maturity to match his immense talent, he will win races. And Rick Hendrick will have a third Nextel Cup champion in his stable. A champion named Busch, not Earnhardt.
here is my response (in agreeance) to this article:
As a competative 22 year old myself, I can understand all of the actions Kyle has made. There are moments in my life that I would not captured on camera, and there are times where I come across very well.
I'm extremely competative in my line of work, and if things aren't going right then I get mad and walk away from situations to prevent my intense motions from getting in the way. When I cool down, I'm more than willing to move on and/or discuss the situation.
Kyle is no different other than the fact that he has cameras pointing at him X amount of hours a week and people poking microphones in his face. Yes Kyle can be a bit of a hot head, but so can I and when put in certain situations so can everyone else. And one of the reasons Kyle has that reputation is the same exact reason that is going to land him a championship. He is driven (no pun intended) and he is passionate about what he does, and to me, that only spells success.
So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he's thrown his headset... if you think about the reason behind all of that is because he's emotionally invested and cares about the win - which is what racing is all about right?
People tend to focus on that instead of the charitable, funny side that Kyle has shown us - not to mention the newly founded Kyle Busch Foundation that seems to have been overlooked. People also forget that he's being compared to people who are in their 30's 40's and 50's who are married, some with children and have been racing in the Nextel Cup series long before Kyle got started. Jeff Burton is a remarkable guy, but he is years beyond Kyle you can't TRULY compare the two with eachother on a maturity and life experience level. Kyle is exactly where he should be at age 22, and if anything he's more mature than most of the guys I deal with day in and day out.
People also mistake his drive for arrogance, and that also bugs me. Hey, Tony Stewart is a phenomenal driver who has added a lot of spice to the sport, but I garantee you that you won't be hearing Kyle rattle off the word 'retirement' even in the heat of the moment, because that word doesn't exist in the land of Kyle Busch yet. The kid wants to win, and he'll do what it takes to get there. Let him grow and let him learn, give him the respect and the support he deserves and he'll become one of the best race car drivers of his time.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Wes Walk Update: It's Been a While
Yes, I realized that I have missed numerous races, and for that I greatly apologize. But let me catch you guys up to speed.
Hendricks.
I think that is pretty much all that there is to say. Hendricks Motor Sports have been dominating this season, as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson pile on their wins. Infact it's not even a big suprise if 3 of the 4 Hendrick boys place in the top 5 like the 1, 2, 4 finish the other week. A lot of people are annoyed to see Jeff Gordon consistantly place well and win, but let's be honest - they're just jealous. He had no monumental records to break this past week in Darlington, infact it is possible his best track, yet he still found a way to make a spectacular finish.
With his previous two wins he tied Dale's winning record, won from the pole and at a track he had never won at, and then superceeded Dale Sr. the following week with his 77th win on the track that Earnhardt dominated on. So why should his next win be any less spectacular. Darnlington had Gordon's car spewing more steam than your grandmother's iron. Even Gordon had no clue as to how his car was even able to finish the race let alone win it. But one think i can garantee you - if that race had lasted another just another 5 laps - maybe even less, Denny Hamlin would have had waved Gordon goodbye and end the Hendricks COT domination.
Let me tell you though - those Hendrick boys need to start worrying. They got two great teams catching up, Joe Gibbs racing and their chevy's and iw ould even go as far to say that Penske's dodges have Childress' cars beat.
But enough of this Hendrick winning COT talk.... and briefly onto another soon-to-be/already starting to be an over talked about topic -
Junior
Yes, he is leaving DEI and if you didn't know that then your head's been stuck in your ass. The bigger question now is where will he go?? DW made a comment recently about him not necessariily wanting to do what his dad did and go towards Childress. Gibbs doesn't feel comfortable with the whole beer sponsorship shin dig, Ginn is still young - can they truley give Dale what he wants? and Hendricks is a full boat - will someone get the boot? My honest opinion.. I think that Gibbs would reallybe the best fit, with the cars they produce and having Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart as racing partners.
Wellll...... come to think of it... those two have had a lot of car failures... but I think that will turn around in the '08 season.
Hendricks would be a powerhouse for Junior. There has been rumors of Kyle getting the boot. Or atleast one reporter mentioned it - which I think is a load of BS. If they kick anyone out it will be Casey Mears. The only thing Kyle has running against him is inexperience, and he's learning quickly. Kyle is NOT disposable in my opinion.
But will people suddenly like Hendricks if Dale heads over there???
Childress seems the most logical right now... But only time will tell. And I really do hope that Bud sticks with Jr.
There's my two cents for the day.
Hendricks.
I think that is pretty much all that there is to say. Hendricks Motor Sports have been dominating this season, as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson pile on their wins. Infact it's not even a big suprise if 3 of the 4 Hendrick boys place in the top 5 like the 1, 2, 4 finish the other week. A lot of people are annoyed to see Jeff Gordon consistantly place well and win, but let's be honest - they're just jealous. He had no monumental records to break this past week in Darlington, infact it is possible his best track, yet he still found a way to make a spectacular finish.
With his previous two wins he tied Dale's winning record, won from the pole and at a track he had never won at, and then superceeded Dale Sr. the following week with his 77th win on the track that Earnhardt dominated on. So why should his next win be any less spectacular. Darnlington had Gordon's car spewing more steam than your grandmother's iron. Even Gordon had no clue as to how his car was even able to finish the race let alone win it. But one think i can garantee you - if that race had lasted another just another 5 laps - maybe even less, Denny Hamlin would have had waved Gordon goodbye and end the Hendricks COT domination.
Let me tell you though - those Hendrick boys need to start worrying. They got two great teams catching up, Joe Gibbs racing and their chevy's and iw ould even go as far to say that Penske's dodges have Childress' cars beat.
But enough of this Hendrick winning COT talk.... and briefly onto another soon-to-be/already starting to be an over talked about topic -
Junior
Yes, he is leaving DEI and if you didn't know that then your head's been stuck in your ass. The bigger question now is where will he go?? DW made a comment recently about him not necessariily wanting to do what his dad did and go towards Childress. Gibbs doesn't feel comfortable with the whole beer sponsorship shin dig, Ginn is still young - can they truley give Dale what he wants? and Hendricks is a full boat - will someone get the boot? My honest opinion.. I think that Gibbs would reallybe the best fit, with the cars they produce and having Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart as racing partners.
Wellll...... come to think of it... those two have had a lot of car failures... but I think that will turn around in the '08 season.
Hendricks would be a powerhouse for Junior. There has been rumors of Kyle getting the boot. Or atleast one reporter mentioned it - which I think is a load of BS. If they kick anyone out it will be Casey Mears. The only thing Kyle has running against him is inexperience, and he's learning quickly. Kyle is NOT disposable in my opinion.
But will people suddenly like Hendricks if Dale heads over there???
Childress seems the most logical right now... But only time will tell. And I really do hope that Bud sticks with Jr.
There's my two cents for the day.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Wes Walk Update : Martinsville
WHAT A FINISH!!! (and once again Dad with the wes walk win) Jimmie Johnson battling it out with teammate Jeff Gordon for the win! Another exciting finish for Nascar fans.. or not. - that all depends if you’re one of those who is a fan of Hendricks Motorsports. Those who aren’t probably hoping for the the two to wreck each other letting Denny Hamlin in for the win. Nonetheless, it was an exciting finish and Jimmie Johnson wins his 4th race of the season, while extending Gordon’s 24 winless streak. This makes Rick Hendrick very exited with 4 wins in a row, with Kyle winning the previous race at Bristol, and Jimmie Johnson’s two consecutive wins prior to that. Not to mention a 1, 2 and 4 finish at Martinsville.
However Gordon is not happy with his second place finish. He tried roughing up his teammate a bit, but simply could not pass Johnson. Gordon refused to push Jimmie hard enough to wreck him for the win, and even asked Hendrick’s permission to bump him a little bit. Hendrick told all the drivers over the radio to “think of the big picture”.
The killer is that after Jimmie Johnson raced dead last in practice, His crew Chief Chad Knaus went to Gordon’s team for help. They copied Gordon’s exact set up, which enabled Jimmie’s car to go for the win.
However some will say that this race was stolen from Dale Earnhardt Jr. who lost his track position as the leader after the rain delay. Fans were able to cheer and proudly wave red for over a hundred laps that Dale Jr led, but all that excitement quickly vanished once the race started up again, and Jr complained about having something in his eye. After the race he stated that he was tired of coming so close to winning and not making it to victory lane.
As far as COT troubles – breaks were a slight issue to about a dozen cars, but the officials are trying to keep a low profile about some of the issues that they are having with the new model. The more prominent issue is the melting safety foam, which took Kevin Harvick out of contention. Driving in the toxic fumes that are released when the foam melts is not something a driver looks forward to. However Nascar states that there was one car who had this problem and 42 were fine. Definitely an improvement from Bristol – but still not good enough!
The only thing left to say… is that JJ Yelley’s name is NOT pronounce “Yay-Lay”….
However Gordon is not happy with his second place finish. He tried roughing up his teammate a bit, but simply could not pass Johnson. Gordon refused to push Jimmie hard enough to wreck him for the win, and even asked Hendrick’s permission to bump him a little bit. Hendrick told all the drivers over the radio to “think of the big picture”.
The killer is that after Jimmie Johnson raced dead last in practice, His crew Chief Chad Knaus went to Gordon’s team for help. They copied Gordon’s exact set up, which enabled Jimmie’s car to go for the win.
However some will say that this race was stolen from Dale Earnhardt Jr. who lost his track position as the leader after the rain delay. Fans were able to cheer and proudly wave red for over a hundred laps that Dale Jr led, but all that excitement quickly vanished once the race started up again, and Jr complained about having something in his eye. After the race he stated that he was tired of coming so close to winning and not making it to victory lane.
As far as COT troubles – breaks were a slight issue to about a dozen cars, but the officials are trying to keep a low profile about some of the issues that they are having with the new model. The more prominent issue is the melting safety foam, which took Kevin Harvick out of contention. Driving in the toxic fumes that are released when the foam melts is not something a driver looks forward to. However Nascar states that there was one car who had this problem and 42 were fine. Definitely an improvement from Bristol – but still not good enough!
The only thing left to say… is that JJ Yelley’s name is NOT pronounce “Yay-Lay”….
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wes Walk Update : Bristol
I’ve tried to think of a clever and professional opening, but the only thing that comes to mind is KYLE WON!!!!!!!!!!!! He goes down in NASCAR history as being the first driver to win with the COT. But in all honesty, my favorite part of the race was when Kyle was being interviewed at victory lane. “..but I’m still not a really big fan of these things – I can’t stand to drive them they suck”. Kyle mentioned before the race that he wanted to win just so he can share the “love” he has for the COT, and he has stood by his word using every opportunity he has to bash the new car.
There are a lot of kinks that need some serious attention. I blame the new model for Tony Stewarts lost; whom I believe was robbed of this race. Yes, as happy as I am for Kyle, I do feel like this should have been Stewart’s win. One of the issue that I think we will be seeing a lot more is once this car gets damage, it is not a quick repair for the new models. Tony Stewart had a fuel cable problem which caused him to be 23 laps down once he hit the track again. Okay, so Tony’s problem may have taken a while if it happened to the old car too, however drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne who all had fixable damage, returned to the track 3-4 laps down making it nearly impossible to make it back to the top lap no matter how good the car was running. Majority of the drivers ended at least a lap down after car altercations. It’s just taking them too long to get back out once hit. Not to mention that we’re probably going to be seeing a lot of tire issues in the future.
Kasey Kane will be the first to state that he was having rear left tire issues, which initially caused him to start dropping back. However when Clint Bowyer’s front splitter slices into Kasey’s tire, it most certainly didn’t help. The tire went flat immediately and sent Kahne’s car into the wall.
OK, I admit it, I’m new at Nascar and each time there’s a race a new track is introduced to me. Still, I was well aware of all the hype that comes with Bristol. The excitement from the fans, the uncertainty of who will be left on the track at the finish line, the tense feelings and nervousness of the drivers days before just because it’s “Bristol”. Unfortunately, I did not get that anticipated crazy action on Sunday while watching the Nextel Cup Series. The Busch series seemed to be a bit more of a ‘blood bath’ if you will, which cars racing to the finish line without the front portion of the car.
Was it really affected that much by the COT? I believe it was, but the bigger question is why. Was it the handling on the car making it harder to pass on the track? Or were the guys too nervous to push their car to the limit never racing with 42 other cars in this new model after having problems in practice. Or finally, does the car just suck?!
Well… we know for sure what Kyle Busch thinks
I would also like to address the amount of respect and sportmanship that Jeff Burton had on the track this weekend. If he couldn't race clean with kyle, he was not going to pursue with the win, which Burton had every opportunity to coming out of that last turn. It's nice to see drivers race eachother and respect eachother.. I'm sure if Harvick was in front instead of Kyle Burton wouldn't have thought twice. Kyle appreciated the clean race that both Burton and Jeff Gordan gave him the last two laps.
There are a lot of kinks that need some serious attention. I blame the new model for Tony Stewarts lost; whom I believe was robbed of this race. Yes, as happy as I am for Kyle, I do feel like this should have been Stewart’s win. One of the issue that I think we will be seeing a lot more is once this car gets damage, it is not a quick repair for the new models. Tony Stewart had a fuel cable problem which caused him to be 23 laps down once he hit the track again. Okay, so Tony’s problem may have taken a while if it happened to the old car too, however drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne who all had fixable damage, returned to the track 3-4 laps down making it nearly impossible to make it back to the top lap no matter how good the car was running. Majority of the drivers ended at least a lap down after car altercations. It’s just taking them too long to get back out once hit. Not to mention that we’re probably going to be seeing a lot of tire issues in the future.
Kasey Kane will be the first to state that he was having rear left tire issues, which initially caused him to start dropping back. However when Clint Bowyer’s front splitter slices into Kasey’s tire, it most certainly didn’t help. The tire went flat immediately and sent Kahne’s car into the wall.
OK, I admit it, I’m new at Nascar and each time there’s a race a new track is introduced to me. Still, I was well aware of all the hype that comes with Bristol. The excitement from the fans, the uncertainty of who will be left on the track at the finish line, the tense feelings and nervousness of the drivers days before just because it’s “Bristol”. Unfortunately, I did not get that anticipated crazy action on Sunday while watching the Nextel Cup Series. The Busch series seemed to be a bit more of a ‘blood bath’ if you will, which cars racing to the finish line without the front portion of the car.
Was it really affected that much by the COT? I believe it was, but the bigger question is why. Was it the handling on the car making it harder to pass on the track? Or were the guys too nervous to push their car to the limit never racing with 42 other cars in this new model after having problems in practice. Or finally, does the car just suck?!
Well… we know for sure what Kyle Busch thinks
I would also like to address the amount of respect and sportmanship that Jeff Burton had on the track this weekend. If he couldn't race clean with kyle, he was not going to pursue with the win, which Burton had every opportunity to coming out of that last turn. It's nice to see drivers race eachother and respect eachother.. I'm sure if Harvick was in front instead of Kyle Burton wouldn't have thought twice. Kyle appreciated the clean race that both Burton and Jeff Gordan gave him the last two laps.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Special: Car of Tomorrow (COT)
What will come of Bristol 2007??? That's the big question between fans, drivers and Nascar in regards to the debut of the Car of Tomorrow. There seems to be numerous concerns from the new look to how it will react on the track with other races cars.
Eye sore? The new car is ugly! That's the consensus amongst the majority of the drivers and their teams. The car is a little taller than the current model, has a rear spoiler that's attatched by two sections on both ends instead of the metal sheet that goes along the back side of the car. Ok, so in my opinion the car isn't THAT bad.. but what is hideous is the new front splitter which is supposed to help with cool air intake. Can we say - EW? Not to mention, let's talk about nascar crashes with the new front splitter and rear spoiler. The car may be bigger, but they seem too fragile. There's no fast way of reattatching the rear spoiler if you bump into the wall and knock it off, nor can you take a hammer to bang out the front splitter. SO does this mean a small bump could greatly hinder the ability to finish a race?
INSPECTION!!! The new inspection process takes an hour for each car, MUCH longer than the couple minute inspection it takes for the current models. This new process involves this curtain to be lowered down onto the car. This has proved to be so much of an issue, that they are opening up the garages at Bristol a day early to be able to inspect all the cars prior to the practice laps. Unfortunately this is not the only problem. As of today's date, the amount of cars that have passed prior inspections : 0. Noone knows if their car will even pass for the actual race. Some failed because the drivers side was 17 thousands of an inch too long. ???????
The COT has only been tested on single tracks, noone knows how the car will react in real race conditions. The stiff springs should add the the excitment making it harder to pass cars on the turns. According the Kyle Busch, they're going to need three feet of room to pass other cars.
The added height and spoiler on the COT has affect the way air flows over the car. Mike Skinner who is currently leading in the Truck Series says that it runs like a combination of the nextel cup cars and the trucks. Supposidly those drivers who have raced in the Truck series will have an advantage because they will be able to transition easier to the new feel of the car and how to handle it.
What I want to know is why debut this car at Bristol where theirs a lot of bumping and body damage??? (well.. Las Vegas may have recently exceeded the body damage count). I have a feeling that there will be plenty of DNF's and suprises this upcoming race this weekend. ANY THING GOES!
Eye sore? The new car is ugly! That's the consensus amongst the majority of the drivers and their teams. The car is a little taller than the current model, has a rear spoiler that's attatched by two sections on both ends instead of the metal sheet that goes along the back side of the car. Ok, so in my opinion the car isn't THAT bad.. but what is hideous is the new front splitter which is supposed to help with cool air intake. Can we say - EW? Not to mention, let's talk about nascar crashes with the new front splitter and rear spoiler. The car may be bigger, but they seem too fragile. There's no fast way of reattatching the rear spoiler if you bump into the wall and knock it off, nor can you take a hammer to bang out the front splitter. SO does this mean a small bump could greatly hinder the ability to finish a race?
INSPECTION!!! The new inspection process takes an hour for each car, MUCH longer than the couple minute inspection it takes for the current models. This new process involves this curtain to be lowered down onto the car. This has proved to be so much of an issue, that they are opening up the garages at Bristol a day early to be able to inspect all the cars prior to the practice laps. Unfortunately this is not the only problem. As of today's date, the amount of cars that have passed prior inspections : 0. Noone knows if their car will even pass for the actual race. Some failed because the drivers side was 17 thousands of an inch too long. ???????
The COT has only been tested on single tracks, noone knows how the car will react in real race conditions. The stiff springs should add the the excitment making it harder to pass cars on the turns. According the Kyle Busch, they're going to need three feet of room to pass other cars.
The added height and spoiler on the COT has affect the way air flows over the car. Mike Skinner who is currently leading in the Truck Series says that it runs like a combination of the nextel cup cars and the trucks. Supposidly those drivers who have raced in the Truck series will have an advantage because they will be able to transition easier to the new feel of the car and how to handle it.
What I want to know is why debut this car at Bristol where theirs a lot of bumping and body damage??? (well.. Las Vegas may have recently exceeded the body damage count). I have a feeling that there will be plenty of DNF's and suprises this upcoming race this weekend. ANY THING GOES!
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