The Official NASCAR Fan Thread- Texas Motor Speedway, TX (04/06/08) Race 7

[smwomer48]

Today we learned Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s favorite movie is "Crash". Nice 39th place finish to Mr. Overrated and falling to 25th in the point standings.

Face facts Junior Nation, Dale Earnhardt Sr. will win his eighth Cup championship before Junior ever wins his first.

And congratulations to Tony Stewart, gotta give the guy credit for turning a back-of-the-pack team like Haas-CNC Racing into a legitimate championship contender that is Stewart-Haas Racing.

Now can we have next Sunday go without rain in Michigan. It would be nice.

[Leafsfan1967]

Great fantasy day for me today 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th. It's about bloody time. :o

[smwomer48]

From www.cnnsi.com Truth and Rumors section:

Earnhardt: NASCAR won't fix Car of Tomorrow


Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday that NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" needs a tune-up. Earnhardt said the car, which is now the exclusive vehicle on the Sprint Cup circuit, is safer than the previous car, but it's not providing the close, competitive racing that fans have come to expect. But he said the problem can be fixed. "I feel like we can take this race car and make it provide [exciting] races," he said. "If I can be honest, I feel like NASCAR has seemingly been reluctant to let this car evolve more freely."

Atlanta Journal Constitution
Dale Earnhardt Jr., AP


Really? I don't see Stewart, Johnson, Gordon, or any other of the drivers currently in the top 12 in points struggling with the COT. And the "good" drivers at Hendrick seem to be doing just fine with the COT. Looks like Junior has been listening to the many excuses his fan club has put spouting off instead of looking into the mirror at the real problem, himself.

[avsfan21]

From www.cnnsi.com (http://www.cnnsi.com) Truth and Rumors section:

Earnhardt: NASCAR won't fix Car of Tomorrow


Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday that NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" needs a tune-up. Earnhardt said the car, which is now the exclusive vehicle on the Sprint Cup circuit, is safer than the previous car, but it's not providing the close, competitive racing that fans have come to expect. But he said the problem can be fixed. "I feel like we can take this race car and make it provide [exciting] races," he said. "If I can be honest, I feel like NASCAR has seemingly been reluctant to let this car evolve more freely."

Atlanta Journal Constitution
Dale Earnhardt Jr., AP


Really? I don't see Stewart, Johnson, Gordon, or any other of the drivers currently in the top 12 in points struggling with the COT. And the "good" drivers at Hendrick seem to be doing just fine with the COT. Looks like Junior has been listening to the many excuses his fan club has put spouting off instead of looking into the mirror at the real problem, himself.

Yeah but it doesnt mean that he isnt right. For the most part racing with the COT has been pure shiot. Ratings are dropping like a meteor coming to earth.

Anyway I went to a few shops today. I have been too lazy to upload the pictures onto my computer yet, I will try by the end of the night. I am hoping to hit up RCR and MWR tomorrow as well, but we shall see on that one.

[smwomer48]

Yeah but it doesnt mean that he isnt right. For the most part racing with the COT has been pure shiot. Ratings are dropping like a meteor coming to earth.

Anyway I went to a few shops today. I have been too lazy to upload the pictures onto my computer yet, I will try by the end of the night. I am hoping to hit up RCR and MWR tomorrow as well, but we shall see on that one.

I hear what your saying. The COT is not perfect, I never insinuated it was. But the way Junior sounded like that was one of the reasons he's 25th in point is a pure crock. The other three Hendrick cars seem to be adjusting the car as they go to make it better and have 8 wins among them. The COT needs some more work indeed, but some of the back of the pack drivers need to quit pointing the finger because of their lack of driving talent.

Have fun touring the shops, sounds like alot of fun.

[avsfan21]

Well that was a good finish to the Busch race, pretty much only saw the last 10-20 laps.

So we did make it to RCR today, didnt quite have enough time to get to MWR. It was nice to see all the 3 cars there. The museum is really nice. I wish more race teams had something like that with a bunch of older cars to look at. Unfortantely the race shops arent open on Saturdays so did get to take the fan walk through the shop. Also made it back to Hendrick, but like RCR only the museum was open. Here is the gallery of the pics from yesterday and today.

http://community.webshots.com/album/574135427EUzgkF

[R. Giles]

The end of the race was exciting and that was about it.

[Buick GN]

I too was only able to catch the end of the race, about 20 laps.

Wonder why Vickers spotter didn't tell him the 88 was coming, maybe he did and Brian was too busy trying keeping his car straight.

I enjoyed the finish, was hoping Vickers could hold on.

[avsfan21]

I didnt care if the 88 or 32 won, as long as they beat Kyle. He is showing his colors again. Crying over not winning at again. Although it wasnt as bad as last week.

[DMM77]

Wonder why Vickers spotter didn't tell him the 88 was coming....



That's what I was wondering also.

[R. Giles]

I do understand what Kyle was talking about this week though. Vickers cost both of them the chance to win with his driving.

[Buick GN]

I do understand what Kyle was talking about this week though. Vickers cost both of them the chance to win with his driving.

I too liked Shrubs first comment. It would of been interesting to see, but his comment about the 88 not deserving to win(or something close to that) was just typical Pouty.

You know NA$CAR is eating up the Shrub vs everyone angle.

[R. Giles]

Congrats to Vickers on the win but what happened in the race. I didn't watch anything after the rain delay.

[Leafsfan1967]

Chad Knaus made the stupidest mistake I've ever seen not pitting on the last caution. Idiot!

[ToightLikeATiger]

Kyle Busch sucks

[avsfan21]

Chad Knaus made the stupidest mistake I've ever seen not pitting on the last caution. Idiot!

Why he really has nothing to lose to try and win. It wasnt like he is going to risk falling out of the chase because of today.

[smwomer48]

Why he really has nothing to lose to try and win. It wasnt like he is going to risk falling out of the chase because of today.

True, but the way Jimmie's car was running he would have got back up into the top 5 and possibly run Vickers down. I hope my profanity and shouting in my home didn't startle my neighbors. Was tempted to smash my TV as well, but good win for Brian.

Jimmie hasn't clinched a Chase spot YET. So I wouldn't play around too much.

[avsfan21]

True, but the way Jimmie's car was running he would have got back up into the top 5 and possibly run Vickers down. I hope my profanity and shouting in my home didn't startle my neighbors. Was tempted to smash my TV as well, but good win for Brian.

Jimmie hasn't clinched a Chase spot YET. So I wouldn't play around too much.

Yes mathematically he hasnt clinched yet, but realistically he is pretty much already in. It is too the point now that you have to go for wins and not points to try and move you into a better position once the chase starts.

[Buick GN]

KH and Richard go at it again on the radio.

Come on KH, just walk away. Time for SHR. :)

[Leafsfan1967]

Why he really has nothing to lose to try and win. It wasnt like he is going to risk falling out of the chase because of today.


Umm, had he pitted he would have won, or at least had a shot at it. He had the best car all day long, and could of easily got back up to the front! Look at what Jr did on new tires. There was still 30+ laps left at the caution . He had no shot at winning being 3 laps short on fuel, and leading the race draft. Dumb move, and his 33rd place finish prooves my point. Your argument holds no water unless he wins the race. He didn't. Vickers should have pitted, too. He got lucky, and probably saved fuel by sitting in 2nd behind Jimmy.

[avsfan21]

Umm, had he pitted he would have won! :rolleyes:

There is no guarantee of that, he could have gotten wrecked coming through the field again as easily as he could have won.

[Buick GN]

He could f his contract, and walk. ;)

RC:"Kevin, drive that f****** car I'm getting tired of this, you're gettin' paid to drive it just, drive it!"

KH:"I'm tired of listening to your excuses, Richard."

RC: I'll talk to you later.

*silence*

KH: "Maybe we can have another 30 second pit stop, we'll get better track position."

[R. Giles]

Saw a rumor today that Sadler might go to RCR to replace Mears since Jack Daniels wants to come back but limited. Sadler wouldn't do any better then Mears.

[Buick GN]

I just read some of the stuff on the Harvick website. Sounds like Richard still thinks he is a top tier owner, and runs a Championship organization. He needs to get his head out of his *****. Kevin deserves better than a second rate team, and a deadbeat owner.

KH's new improved site, simply blows. I miss the old message board. :(

[Buick GN]

Saw a rumor today that Sadler might go to RCR to replace Mears since Jack Daniels wants to come back but limited. Sadler wouldn't do any better then Mears.

That's just sad.

Mears and Sadler are in the same book in my eyes - Can't drive a hot nail up a snowman's
arse.

[avsfan21]

He could f his contract, and walk. ;)

Not the best idea either. That would just create a huge legal mess.

[R. Giles]

Those two need to sit down and discuss either buying out the contract or listening to the drivers on how to make the cars better.

[Buick GN]

LOL. Richard can piss off. Hes getting tired of it? Hes not driving that hunk of **** car, and being serviced by a hunk of **** crew. He still thinks hes a Championship owner when hes FAR from it. Kevin said it best. Excuses. Cant own up to the fact that his team is nothing now.

This kind of chatter has been going on for several weeks now. RC usually is more of a cheerleader as KH is always poping off, today basically RC told him shut his hole and drive.

[Leafsfan1967]

Do we know that? What if he got caught in the traffic, Jr. pitted, and he didnt win. Gordon, and Vickers conserved enough fuel, even if Johnson pitted it wouldnt have been an easy win.

The best car most of the day with ample fuel, and fresh tires. Hmmm do I want that, or would I rather be up front on old tires, not enough fuel to go the distance (fully aware of that), and waving good-bye to the field lapping me on pit road with 3 to go under green? Hmmmm! Tough choice! It's not like we've ever seen JJ come from nowhere to win a race with a mere 30 laps to go before. We all know he's not capable of that. :rolleyes: Jr sucks, and would of crashed if he had JJ on his bumper on the final laps. ;)

[Buick GN]

Not the best idea either. That would just create a huge legal mess.

True, but....

I just want KH to get some of the HMS love, and contend. *gulp* ugh, HMS. :D

[Buick GN]

Heard a new nickname for Shrub today - Cryle.

LOL

Cryle & Pouty. :D

[Buick GN]

STOKED! Night Nationwide Bristol.

Cryle is out!

[Buick GN]

3 green pace laps in CAN.

Hmmmm, racing in the rain again?

[avsfan21]

That was exciting. I figured starting at 2:30 I would get to see a few laps in before switching to some racing but nope, nothing but pace laps.

[Buick GN]

Rain tires, wipers, and RainX being put on w/ 13 to go.

[avsfan21]

This is a perfect case for Cash for Clunkers. I am sure most of the owners will just want to scrap these cars after this race anyway.

[avsfan21]

Wow I thought Ambrose was going to launch himself into the wall of champions right there.

[Buick GN]

I enjoyed watching Andrew Ranger school Edwards several times during the race. I would of liked to seen the final pass between Ranger & Edwards.

What was Ambrose's comment on camera? I missed it.

I'm wondering how much money S. Wallace will cost Rusty until he finally pulls the plug on his driving career. The kid has zero talent yet Rusty keeps forking over the cash. LOL

[bjk311nh]

I enjoyed watching Andrew Ranger school Edwards several times during the race. I would of liked to seen the final pass between Ranger & Edwards.

What was Ambrose's comment on camera? I missed it.

I'm wondering how much money S. Wallace will cost Rusty until he finally pulls the plug on his driving career. The kid has zero talent yet Rusty keeps forking over the cash. LOL

I thought Ambrose said something to the effect that he made one mistake and lost the race.

[Buick GN]

Oh my :eek:

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/victory2929/jm.jpg

[deogg]

Oh my :eek:

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/victory2929/jm.jpg

Oh snap!!!!!!

[Buick GN]

I'll believe this when KH crosses the start/finish line @ Homestead on 11.21.2010 in the #29 for RCR.


Richard Childress, Kevin Harvick Put 2010 Season Rumors to Rest
WELCOME, N.C. (August 31, 2009)

Kevin Harvick will drive Richard Childress Racing’s No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala SS in 2010 for his 10th season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series despite rumors to the contrary.

“Rumors about Kevin not driving for RCR next season have been flying around the garage area and in the media,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “We want to put the rumors behind us by stating together that Kevin will drive RCR’s No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala SS for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. RCR continues to work on the overall performance of the No. 29 team, like we are with all of our teams, and the plan is to end the season on a high note. Kevin and the No. 29 team are also preparing for next season with the goal of making a run at the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.”

Harvick has 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories since he took over the driver duties of RCR’s No. 29 team in the second race of the 2001 season. He has also earned victories in the 2007 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and 2009 Budweiser Shootout (2009) non-points events.

“While the 2009 season has not been what any of us have wanted, Richard and I are both committed to improving the performance of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team for the remainder of this year and the 2010 season,” said Kevin Harvick, the 2007 Daytona 500 champion. (RCR)

[Bronko]

So close to seeing the 29 back in victory lane :(. One less caution and Kevin would've broken the drought.

[Buick GN]

*Shakes fist @ Bowyer*

Grrrrrrrrrrr.

atleast KH dominated the Nationwide race in a KHI car.

[avsfan21]

Well we got back from the race about an hour ago. It was a pretty good race, just about to watch the reair so I can catch everything that I missed while being there, like who caused the cautions and stuff. I know a few, but the ones that happened down the front straight where rather hard to see from turn 3. Sorry no pics. My camera didnt want to work and would only take pictures of blackness.

[bjk311nh]

*Shakes fist @ Bowyer*

Grrrrrrrrrrr.

atleast KH dominated the Nationwide race in a KHI car.

Definitely, although I thought he would somehow blow it the way this year has been going. Man his pit crew is slow compared to Busch. Luckily, it did not cost him.

[avsfan21]

Oh I forgot to add, I dont think it was shown on tv, but it was rather cool that Kahne came over to turn 3 and did a burn out on the banking.

[avsfan21]

Haha, Pouty misses the chase.

[ToightLikeATiger]

There is justice!!!! CryBaby Kyle isnt going to be chasing crap this year!!!! He didnt deserve the honor.

[deogg]

I just wonder how many Chase drivers Crybaby Kyle is going to punt next week.....

[VH Fan]

NASCAR needs to change their points system to reward more for wins. Mark made it by Kyle didn't, and although he had a lot of crappy races which got him there, fact of the matter is he won 4 times. If both Martin and Busch had missed the chase, it would have been embarrassing.

This 10 extra points for a win just doesn't cut it. It's better to just run 12th or 14th every week than to risk racing for wins and get a DNF or lose a lap. Montoya has TWO top-5's the whole freaking season and solidy made the chase. He's a championship contender? That's ******ed. It's time NASCAR woke up and started rewarding more for what the race is all about, winning.

[avsfan21]

NASCAR needs to change their points system to reward more for wins. Mark made it by Kyle didn't, and although he had a lot of crappy races which got him there, fact of the matter is he won 4 times. If both Martin and Busch had missed the chase, it would have been embarrassing.

This 10 extra points for a win just doesn't cut it. It's better to just run 12th or 14th every week than to risk racing for wins and get a DNF or lose a lap. Montoya has TWO top-5's the whole freaking season and solidy made the chase. He's a championship contender? That's ******ed. It's time NASCAR woke up and started rewarding more for what the race is all about, winning.

The thing is that even if they used the old points system, Kyle would still be a huge way back no matter how many wins he has. The nascar point system has always been about consistency, not winning every race. The fact that Kyle has that many wins and is that far back in the points just shows what a bad season he has had. He was still 650+ points behind Tony going into this race. I dont care how many races you win from this point on, that would be extremely hard to make up.

[VH Fan]

I think the Chase system is fine, but they still need to give more for wins. I watch to see a guy give it all for a win not to "points race" and just have a nice little day running 12th.

[Buick GN]

Haha, Pouty misses the chase.again

[deogg]

My allegiance is SO torn this year. My fave Nascar driver is Mark Martin. Been a fan of his since the early-to-mid 90's.

Mark just HAD to go and sell his soul to the devil and drive for Hendrick. And look where he is now: leading the points going into the Chase.

So yeah, I am completely torn right now. The driver I've followed for years, the one driver I've WANTED to see win the Cup, now drives for the one team I NEVER want to see win the Cup.

[Buick GN]

He went to the best equipment, nothing wrong w/ that.

Hope to see KH in SHR/HMS in 2011. (or sooner)

:)

[deogg]

He went to the best equipment, nothing wrong w/ that.

Hope to see KH in SHR/HMS in 2011. (or sooner)

:)

Well, I think it's safe to say that my hatred of Hendrick drivers is well-known. That's why I'm so dang torn. It's like "Great, Mark won......but he's a HENDRICK DRIVER!!!!"

I WAS gonna start selling off my Mark collection on eBay, but I never had the heart to go through with it. Plus, I probably wouldn't get jack squat for a lot of it, either.

[smwomer48]

My allegiance is SO torn this year. My fave Nascar driver is Mark Martin. Been a fan of his since the early-to-mid 90's.

Mark just HAD to go and sell his soul to the devil and drive for Hendrick. And look where he is now: leading the points going into the Chase.

So yeah, I am completely torn right now. The driver I've followed for years, the one driver I've WANTED to see win the Cup, now drives for the one team I NEVER want to see win the Cup.

It still weird seeing Mark drive a Chevrolet after being one of the flag bearers for Ford for almost 20 years. I am a Jimmie Johnson fan and would like to see a four-peat. But if that doesn't happen I would be more than happy to see Mark hoist up his first Cup trophy at the end of the year. Would make great history and cap off his comeback after two years running part-time.

[exanimate]

As much as I would like to see Gordon win another, I really want Martin to win it. My stepdad has been a Martin fan since Martin started and it killed him when he went to Hendrick, but he is a fan of Mark, so he has said that whatever it takes for him to win a championship is cool with him.

[Buick GN]

88 vs 00

HM$

[smwomer48]

Dale Jr. should watch this video before saying anything about anyones talent level...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFE9ZXmgIs


Agreed, right now Junior himself is showing about as much driver talent as Kerry Earnhardt.

[avsfan21]

Well after drying off and getting home from Petit Le Mans. I am finally able to post the link to the pictures I took on Friday and Saturday. I was hoping to get some night shots, but the weather had other ideas. It was a shame that it got called for weather as it was going to be a great race with 1-2-3 nose to tail right before the red flag. It was a good race for the amount of running they did. A ton of cars had issues in front of us at turn 10.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/574809913SboyVU

[smwomer48]

The inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame call will be announced tomorrow and we will see who the first five will be. My picks are Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and Lee Petty.

A lot of folks feel that the first four I listed are locks, myself included. The fifth selection has been a topic of debate and although there are many worthy candidates I chose Lee Petty because he is the one who started the Petty dynasty. Anybody else have their opinions who will be selected tomorrow?

[smwomer48]

The inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees has been announced on Speed.


The 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame class

Bill France, Sr.
Bill France, Jr.
Richard Petty
Dale Earnhardt
Junior Johnson


The first four were deemed automatic locks and Junior Johnson chosen as the fifth is well-deserved.

[bjk311nh]

That race at Lowe's was disappointing to say the least. Johnson had his two closest competitors have off nights, Montoya's was really bad, and Johnson got the win. There goes the drama, unless 48 gets caught up in something or has a failure. I think only Martin and Gordon are the only competition left now......

[Jason62]

If Johnson wins another championship I think Im gonna stop watching NASCAR for awhile.

[avsfan21]

Way to go Nascar, you make the usually boring Plate racing to be even worse by not letting cars get near each other. Nothing like 170 laps of single file racing.

[Attack2000]

I am offically done with nascar this season. With the luck Jimmie is getting right now, he could find gold in the arctic. Every driver who was a points threat is out, and Jimmie basically gets 6th handed to him on a silver platter.

NASCAR also ruined Talladega, made it boring as hell. Now we gotta put up with ESPN going on for 3 weeks about how much of a god Jimmie is.

I may not post in this thread, but I have been a nascar fan for many years. I am done til next year, I am not even watching these last three races.

[R. Giles]

This Crap of Today car is horrible two cars go flipping down the track.

[fastlane22]

absolutely dusgusting finish today. Nascar fans worst nightmare. Martin and Gordon heading top tens and Johnsn with a 20something finish to tighten the points race and make then last races watchable... Instead Robby Gordon starts a wreck that sets off a chain of events that leads to Johnson winning his fourth striaght championship.

[bjk311nh]

As a McMurray fan, glad to see him win. Man, plate races are the only chance anyone can really win a Nascar race. We got to see guys like Sadler and Stremme up front. I missed the race but saw the highlights of them in a single file. Wow.........

[avsfan21]

So I saw this on Jayski and thought it was rather interesting. So much for the Chase actually making for better championship battles. If they still had the only point system there would only be a 7 point gap between 1st and 2nd Jimmie still in 1st with Tony in 2nd. Also Gordon would only be 72 back in 3rd. Both would have legitimate shots of winning without having to have Jimmie come into trouble.

UNOFFICIAL Sprint Cup CHASE Standings
[after Talladega, Chase race 7 of 10; Season race 33 of 36]:
pos, car#, driver, points, behind, [wins], race finish
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [6 wins], 6248, finished 8th
2) #5-Mark Martin [5 wins], 6064, -184
3) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 6056, -192
4) #42-Juan Montoya, 6009, -239
5) #14-Tony Stewart [4 wins], 5969, -279
6) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 5936, -312
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 5908, -340
8) #39-Ryan Newman, 5846, -402
9) #9-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 5834, -414
10) #99-Carl Edwards, 5811, -437
11) #11-Denny Hamlin [3 wins], 5800, -448
12) #83-Brian Vickers [1 win], 5692, -556
For the drivers points standings, see my Drivers Points Standings.(11-1-2009)
#

UNOFFICIAL Sprint Cup CLASSIC - the OLD way - Driver Points Standings
[after Talladega, race 33 of 36]:
pos, car#, driver, points, behind
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 4752
2) #14-Tony Stewart, 4745, -7
3) #24-Jeff Gordon, 4673, -72
4) #5-Mark Martin, 4315, -430
5) #11-Denny Hamlin, 4271, -474
6) #42-Juan Montoya, 4260, -485
7) #2-Kurt Busch, 4248, -497
8) #16-Greg Biffle, 4157, -588
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 4118, -627
10) #9-Kasey Kahne, 4094, 651
11) #99-Carl Edwards, 4091 -654
12) #18-Kyle Busch, 4043, -702
13) #17-Matt Kenseth, 3986, -759
14) #33-Clint Bowyer, 3932, -813
15) #83-Brian Vickers, 3890, -855
16) #00-David Reutimann, 3854, -891
(11-1-2009)

[Jason62]

with Johnson winning 4 in a row how can NASCAR continue to go with the Chase? this is rediculous I am done with NASCAR until things change.

[avsfan21]

So what I learned today. They should just quit running Truck and Nationwide races, give the trophy to Kyle Busch and save everyone those hours in their life, and Kevin Harvick is such a whiny little ***** when things dont go perfect. I have to say I agree with Childress, just shut up and race. Typically people dont respond when they make a mistake, when you come back and just continue to insult them for it.

Hell for that matter, they should just give Johnson the cup each year at the start of the season and they can save everyone the months of having to watch a whole season.