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Hamlin Snags Coca-Cola 600 Pole With Track Record Time
posted by Amy Henderson
Thursday May 23, 2013
Denny Hamlin shattered the track qualifying record at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he rocketed to the pole for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Hamlin had a lap time of 27.604 seconds, or 195.624 miles per hour. Several drivers drove past the old record, set by Greg Biffle in 2012, but it was Hamlin who came out at the top of the heap and holds the new record. Kurt Busch will start on the outside of the front row. Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, and Clint Bowyer round out the top 5. Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Kyle Busch, Jamie McMurray, and Ryan Newman hold down sixth through tenth places. The pole is Hamlin’s second of 2013; he also started in front at Fontana before an injury in that race sidelined him for over a month. Hamlin says that his back feels “nearly 100%” and that it doesn’t cause him pain while driving. He added that winning the pole helped solidify for him that he is back at a competitive level, but he wants one more thing before he’ll be satisfied. “I think winning would do that. I think ultimately getting the big trophy on Sunday is the validation that you’re truly back,” said Hamlin after his lap. “For me, it’s going to take some wins and some really good consistency throughout these summer months to put ourselves in position to have a chance at a championship. That’s what we’re here for. Even these small victories though give me that confidence that I’m still capable, and I’m still able to do the job at 100 percent like I should be. Any kind of confidence booster for me — it’s always a plus on Sunday.” The Cup teams are next on track Saturday at 10 AM for the weekend’s second practice. Final practice for Sunday’s race is Saturday afternoon at one o’clock. The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled to start at 6 PM on Sunday and will air on FOX.
Jimmie Johnson wins the Sprint All-Star race.....again
posted by Mike Neff
Sunday May 19, 2013
Five-time is now four-time when it comes to the Sprint All-Star race. Coming into Saturday night’s race, Johnson was tied with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt for most wins in the annual event with three wins. Johnson bided his time, restarted the last segment in the second spot, dueled Kasey Kahne for two laps to secure the lead and pulled away to a convincing win. Joey Logano started the last segment in the seventh position, took advantage of a slip up by Kyle Busch on the start of the final segment, and ultimately came home in the runner-up spot. Kyle Busch rebounded from his slip up to muscle his way back to third. Kahne started the final segment on the pole but couldn’t hold off Johnson on the first few laps of the restart and ended up fourth. Kurt Busch won two segments, was the first on pit road for the money pit stop, but finished the event in fifth place. Jimmie Johnson summed up his results in two words, “we’re lucky”. It was tongue in cheek but Johnson was poking fun at the people who continue to accuse the No. 48 of preferential treatment, fixed races, and a blind eye to cheating. Johnson has one of the highest winning percentages in NASCAR history and it comes from natural talent and chemistry with his crew. This race also now ties Johnson with Davey Allison as the only two drivers to win the race in back-to-back years. Logano and Busch visited with the media after the race to speak about their runs. Logano was understandably upbeat about his second while Busch was quite dejected, having another All-Star race slip out of his grasp. Kahne spoke about the elephant in the room that is the length of the segments in the race during his post race availability on pit road. He noted that the inherent problem with the format is that the car is designed with downforce, on a track that is cool and has a bunch of grip. The only way to make the races exciting after the first couple of laps of racing would be to extend the segments to the The first 20 lap segment was won by Kurt Busch. Segment two went to his brother Kyle. That segment win allowed Bruton Smith to breathe more easily since he put up a $1,000,000 bonus to anyone who won all four of the segments. Segment three also went to the younger Busch, while the fourth segment win was tallied in brother Kurt’ s account.
Kyle Busch wins the North Carolina Education Lottery 200
posted by Mike Neff
Friday May 17, 2013
‘Rowdy’ Busch was back in his familiar No. 51 truck at his favorite track on the Truck schedule. Busch led 80 laps and thought he should have led more but had a fuel issue on pit road that resulted in him having to battle back through the field. The race was slowed by eight cautions that helped him work his way back through the field. Busch beat Brendan Gaughan to the finish by .488 seconds, while Max Gresham chased them both to the line for his first top three finish of his Truck career. Matt Crafton came home in fourth place after having to battle through a couple of tire mishaps during the event. Ty Dillon rounded out the top 5 for his first finish that high this season. Busch led the race three times for his 80 laps. Miguel Paludo was second on the laps led board with 33. Gaughan, Gresham and Dillon also scored bonus points for leading laps. There were two cautions in the first 72 laps of the race while 29 of the last 62 laps were completed under the yellow flag. Jeb Burton started the race on the pole but did not lead a lap. He did however end the race as the Rookie of the Race for his 13th place finish. Matt Crafton leads Burton by 22 points in the season standings after five races this season.
Matt Kenseth Snatches Victory from the Jaws of Defeat at Darlington
posted by Mike Neff
Sunday May 12, 2013
Kyle Busch appeared to be headed for another weekend sweep after winning the Nationwide race at Darlington on Friday night. However, a funny thing happened as they were bringing out the dustpan. Matt Kenseth chased down the dominant car of the night, passed him with relative ease and then strolled away to a 3.165 second victory. Kenseth led the final 13 laps after Busch had held the point for 265 of the 354 laps leading up to Kenseth’s race winning pass. After Kenseth worked around Busch, the No. 18 slid rapidly backwards over the final eight laps to fall from second to sixth place. Joe Gibbs Racing did manage a 1-2 finish after sweeping the podium in Friday night’s Nationwide tilt. Denny Hamlin, in his first full race back in the car since his vertebrae fracture at California, soldiered through the pain of his arms, neck and shoulders more than his recovered back to wrestle a second place finish away from the Lady in Black. Coming home in third was Jeff Gordon, who turned his 700th career start into a top 3 finish. Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top 5 in the Bojangles Southern 500. Kurt Busch started the race on the pole and led the first 51 laps before coming to the pits for a green flag stop. After the stops cycled through Busch was back at the point for 18 more laps before his brother began his domination. The race went green for the first 302 laps save a seven lap caution stint from lap 125 to lap 131. The final 65 laps saw four more cautions that flew for accidents involving Regan Smith, Brad Keselowski, Casey Mears, Kurt Busch, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and Kasey Kahne. The race saw four leaders including Jeff Gordon in addition to the Busch brothers and Kenseth. The win is Kenseth’s 27th of his career and breaks a tie between himself and his teammate Kyle Busch. The win is Kenseth’s third this season which is the most among all of the competitors in the Cup series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the Rookie of the Race. Jeff Gordon’s top 5 finish was his 300th of his career. He joins Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison as the only four drivers in the history of the sport to accomplish such a feat.
Busch Dominates at Darlington as JGR Sets Nationwide Series Record
posted by Amy Henderson
Friday May 10, 2013
Kyle Busch dominated the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 on Friday night en route to his 56th career Nationwide Series victory and fifth series win of 2013. Joe Gibbs Racing in general was the class of the field all night at Darlington Raceway, claiming four of the top 5 finishing spots, with only fourth-place Joey Logano keeping them from sweeping the top four spots. It was a historic night for JGR, as no team has ever before placed four cars in the top 5. Elliott Sadler finished second to Busch and Brian Vickers third, with Logano and Matt Kenseth rounding out the top 5. Busch led 107 of 147 laps on the way to the win. Sadler was the best among the Nationwide Regulars, finishing second despite an early spin in Turn 2, and gained points on leader Regan Smith, who finished seventh. Kyle Larson continued to impress at the Lady in Black, posting a sixth-place finish in his first Darlington start as he runs for rookie honors. Sam Hornish, Jr., who remained second in points, finished eighth while Kasey Kahne and Justin Allgaier filled the top 10. Smith now leads Nationwide Series points by 28 over Hornish. Sadler jumps two spots to third on his second-place run as Justin Allgaier fell one place to fourth. Vickers gained three sports and is now fifth, 49 behind Smith. Austin Dillon, Parker Kligerman, Brian Scott, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson round out the top 10.
Joe Gibbs Racing Penalties Reduced Following Appeal
posted by Summer Bedgood
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Joe Gibbs Racing had many of their penalties for the No. 20 team reduced during the appeal process on Wednesday. Driver Matt Kenseth and owner Joe Gibbs had their points penalties reduced from 50 to 12 points. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has also been dropped from seven races to one, though he will still be forced to pay the $200,000 fine. Not all of the penalties were reduced, however. Toyota Racing’s manufacturer points penalty was increased from five points to seven. All other penalties were dropped, including the suspension of Joe Gibbs’ owners license, the loss of bonus points for the Chase earned at Kansas Speedway, and the loss of eligibility into the Sprint Unlimited garnered from the pole at Kansas Speedway. JGR has accepted the penalties and will not appeal further. Following a dominant win at Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago, Kenseth’s car failed post-race inspection when it was found that a connecting rod was 2.7 grams below the minimum weight. Toyota Racing Development accepted the blame for the incident. The reduction moves Kenseth up to fourth in points, 66 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. JGR has not announced who will replace Ratcliff this weekend in Darlington. The appeal was heard by Mark Arute, Dennis McGlynn, and Jack Housby. NASCAR cannot appeal the revised penalties.
Penske Has Suspensions Reduced On Appeal
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Roger Penske’s team got some relief Tuesday from NASCAR’s Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, as he chose to reduce penalties assessed to that organization at Texas Motor Speedway in early April. Middlebrook, after hearing the evidence from both sides Tuesday chose to reduce all suspensions in the case from six to two weeks, plus NASCAR’s All-Star Race on May 18th. That means the final consequences for both teams are the following: No. 2 car No. 22 car Other Middlebrook’s official statement was short, simply stating, “After looking at all the facts, data, and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties. However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the All-Star race to two points races and the All-Star Race.” However, it seemed both sides, after presenting their cases were far more pleased with how the case was handled during this portion of the appeal. “We were able to talk about areas we worked in,” said Roger Penske, referring to the “gray area” of the NASCAR rulebook officials ultimately felt stepped over the line. “I’m very happy with the outcome. This sport has been built on innovation. All of us have tried to innovate in areas not defined in the rulebook. We were in that area.” In conversations with the parties involved, it was clear the controversy surrounded parts designed to increase the rear-end angle at the back of both cars. In past years, with innovation limited through the Car of Tomorrow templates teams have played around with suspension systems designed to make the rear end of the car easier to “move.” The more the car skews in the corner, the easier it can be to handle and gain extra speed. However, NASCAR had made rules designed to curb those types of innovations this year and made the determination Penske parts to build the rear suspension were unapproved. Why they had gone undetected in previous inspections was never addressed, along with claims someone else in the garage had alerted officials to possible inappropriate car construction. One thing Penske did admit, though is had this decision been issued by the initial appeals panel, he would not have pressed his luck with Middlebrook. “All of us,” he said. “Have lost points for certain infractions over the years. The key thing is to have people back at the racetrack operating in full control.” The end results leave Logano 18th in points, 146 behind championship leader Jimmie Johnson and 43 outside a Chase position. Keselowski is far more stable; fifth in points, he’s 69 behind and 45 ahead of 11th-place Matt Kenseth. Neither of the Penske cars have won a race this season. “Moved on from last few weeks,” Keselowski tweeted Wednesday morning. “And ready to focus on @TooToughToTame (Darlington Raceway).” The next round of NASCAR penalty appeals, focusing on Joe Gibbs Racing and Matt Kenseth will be heard on Wednesday morning. Connect with Tom!
Penske Racing LOSES Penalty Case, Will Appeal To NSCRC John Middlebrook
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 1, 2013
A three-member panel Wednesday unanimously upheld penalties assessed to Penske Racing after pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Comprised of Pocono President Brandon Igdalsky, Bowman-Gray President Dale Pinilis and former NASCAR VP Paul Brooks, the trio determined the sanctioning body’s evidence was enough to “convict” Penske to the tune of points lost, suspensions given and $200,000 in fines. Roger Penske, in response has pledged to send a final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner John Middlebrook. That hearing will occur Tuesday, May 7th at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center. Here’s a quick list of what penalties are pending (everything but the points deductions will be deferred, pending Middlebrook’s approval until after the final appeal): No. 2 team No. 22 team Both teams NASCAR’s representation included Sprint Cup Director John Darby but not Vice President Robin Pemberton, who was whisked away to Florida on jury duty. Owner Roger Penske was in attendance to defend the allegations along with Team Manager Travis Geisler, Tim Cindric, Walt Czarnecki, Joey Logano’s crew chief Todd Gordon along with several other key principles. UPDATE: The National Stock Car Racing Commission issued a brief statement, reviewing the penalties and then explaining the following. “Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.” “The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.” Connect with Tom!
Kyle Busch Wins Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown
posted by Thomas Bowles
Friday April 26, 2013
Who says Joe Gibbs Racing teammates don’t get along? Kyle Busch is certainly receiving gifts, from Denny Hamlin in the form of shiny trophies from winning the latter’s annual charity event. Rowdy was romping through the field again at Richmond Thursday night, taking control at the race’s midpoint and cruising during the latter stages to win the Showdown for the third time in the past six years. In a race that benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation, created to help those with cystic fibrosis Busch had his late model hitting on all cyilnders down the stretch. Pulling away from fellow Cup driver David Ragan, in the final segment of the 75-lap race the outcome was simply never in doubt following a 5-minute break for pit stops prior to Lap 47. Ben Rhodes, Ronnie Bassett, Jr., and Garrett Campbell rounded out the top-5 finishers. Other Cup drivers, including defending race champion Tony Stewart were in the field but never a factor up front. Smoke, actually extending his slumping start to 2013 into this race got wrecked before the halfway point and wound up 28th. Matt Kenseth, still distraught after a midweek penalty virtually negated his win at Kansas was never truly competitive, either; he finished 22nd. Also on Thursday night, African-American driver Ryan Gifford won the first K&N Pro Series East race of his young career. Surviving a five-lap shootout, following a red flag he cruised home over Brandon Gdovic. Connect with Tom!
Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Penalized As Engine Fails Kansas Post-Race Inspection
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Until the end of time, Matt Kenseth can say he crossed the finish line first at Kansas Sunday. NASCAR Record Books will say the same. But after a harsh series of penalties announced on Wednesday, should they stand that’s about the only thing Kenseth can hang his hat on after a successful weekend turned sour. According to multiple reports, officials at the NASCAR R & D Center in North Carolina discovered a connecting rod on Kenseth’s engine, brought in for Kansas post-race inspection weighed three grams less than the minimum weight of 525g. The consequences, announced today are crippling for both driver and team. Kenseth, along with car owner Joe Gibbs have been docked 50 driver and owner points, actually reducing their overall totals heading into Kansas even though the No. 20 car won the race. That lost chunk of points drops Kenseth from eighth to 14th in the standings. More importantly, the win “won’t count” for either bonus points in the Chase or determine postseason eligibility; that means the driver, now in “Wild Card” position is considered to have one win so far this season instead of two. That’s just the tip of the iceberg on these consequences. Crew chief Jason Radcliffe, fined $200,000 based on the infraction has also been suspended for the next six Sprint Cup points events, along with the All-Star Race. Toyota, whose TRD engine department ultimately supplies the JGR powerplants has had five points deducted from its total in the manufacturer’s championship. And finally, Joe Gibbs himself, already docked 50 owner points has had his license suspended by NASCAR, which means he’s ineligible to accrue owner points for the No. 20 until the next six Sprint Cup Series points races are completed. Gibbs, NASCAR has clarified will still be able to travel to the racetrack despite a suspended license. In a tersely worded statement, the owner says he’ll appeal the ruling, which violated three parts of the series rulebook. The one most pertinent is Section 20-5.5.3(E) which states only magnetic steel connecting rods, with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4J, which gives officials the right to penalize for parts they claim do not conform to NASCAR rules were also cited in the sport’s official release. Toyota Racing Development’s Lee White, in a statement released early this afternoon took responsibility for the violation. During NASCAR’s routine post-race tear down of Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car and engine from Kansas Speedway,” he stated, “One of our engine connecting rods weighed in approximately three grams under the legal minimum weight of 525 grams. None of the other seven connecting rods were found to be under the minimum weight. We take full responsibility for this issue with the engine used by the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team this past Sunday in Kansas — JGR is not involved in the process of selecting parts or assembling the Cup Series engines. It was a simple oversight on TRD’s part and there was no intent to deceive, or to gain any type of competitive advantage. Toyota is a company that was built on integrity, and that remains one of the guiding principles of the company. The goal of TRD has always been — and will continue to be — to build high-performance engines that are reliable, durable and powerful, and within the guidelines established by NASCAR.” Kenseth, who has led 482 laps this season, two higher than his total last year has been one of the strongest competitiors on the Sprint Cup track in 2013. His engines have also passed several previous inspections. |
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Frontstretch Staff · Monday February 7, 2011
New points. New pavement. New attitude. As NASCAR heads towards Daytona in 2011, all around the sport are focused on the positive, looking for the perfect season to recapture a nation and get what once seemed like limitless upward momentum jumpstarted again.
Can they do it? As Speedweeks dawn, both the Bud Shootout and 53rd Daytona 500 usher in a long list of questions along with them, the answers to which could define the sport for not just this year but the coming decade. That means it’s time to get the blood pumping and start that 2011 analysis, figuring out just exactly how the controversies, the Earnhardt drama, and the NASCAR tweaks both on and off the track will work out. This week, we’ll get you thinking each day on one of five big questions facing stock car racing in 2011; as we try and find the answers, ten staff members you know and love will come at you with our usual blend of facts, opinion, and most of all … a sense of humor. After all, we’ll all need to laugh if these predictions blow up in our face come November …
Today’s Season Preview Topic: NASCAR chose to address the issues of the past few years by … tweaking the Chase (slightly) and revamping the point system. Good move? Bad move? What’s the one thing they didn’t fix you wish they had?
Tom Bowles, Managing Editor: One look at my inbox tells you all you need to know in this, what I’m Titling the Winter of NASCAR Discontent. Fans have been clamoring for months to get rid of a playoff system they no longer want, shorten races (which I disagree with) they feel are too long, get more charge out of the drivers they feel have gotten stale, and revamp qualifying so it means something.
And NASCAR’s response was … we’re losing fans because they don’t understand our point system? OK, tell me where the heck that was the answer, Alex, because I didn’t see that $2,000 Jeopardy! question on the board. It would have been one thing if the new system rewards aggression, but alas, it’s just changing the numbers to make it easy for fans to follow the “Chase,” from race 1 all the way through race 36. That’s not fixing a problem, that’s highlighting one. But more than anything else, NASCAR’s biggest regret as the season wears on will be not fixing the “top-35” qualifying system, where all but eight of 43 spots are locked in each week; there’s no incentive for new teams to get started, a limited way for them to make the starting grid and the result could mean a short field or as many as a dozen start-and-park teams by midsummer. The Big Boys have to find a way to get other guys in the game; millionaires like newcomer Andrew Murstein need to be starting a new team instead of keeping an existing one (in this case, Richard Petty Motorsports) afloat.
NASCAR president Mike Helton joined with Brian France and other major officials within the sport in brainstorming new ideas this offseason. Their solution to sagging ratings and attendance: a simpler, easier-to-understand points system while continuing on with much of the status quo otherwise. Will it work?
Amy Henderson, Senior Editor & Writer: The points system itself is a good move; it will make the championship appear closer to the casual fan while, in essence, changing nothing. However, the main problem with the system – the Chase – is still in place. While the changes to who gets in are slightly better, two spots for the playoffs reserved for winning drivers just isn’t enough. In the process, NASCAR is still proving their ignorance of what the fans really want, doing what they think is right without actually listening. I do think that the new points tally will encourage racing for the win, though, because that’s the only way to gain any kind of advantage. Losing is more costly.
Phil Allaway, Senior Editor: The tweaking of the points system simply did not need to be done. I don’t understand this idea of making everything so simple that a 2-year-old could understand it. It’s like sitting through those stupid directions before starting a standardized test. The old one was fine.
It could be argued that keeping it the same and making people learn that would make for a more informed fan… but it couldn’t have been that hard to calculate the points in the previous system. Why does it have to be assumed that everyone is a moron these days?!? The result of the changes is that there is effectively no effect at the top of the table, but finishing further down the order hurts you just that little bit more since there is the same difference between every position, like in ARCA. Not referenced, but probably worth a mention: The new point system eliminates owner points for those who fail to qualify for races.
I’m still not a fan of the Chase after seven years and never will be. Having said that, if we absolutely have to have a Chase (and, as far as I know, we do until at least 2014), the changes they made are OK.
What’s the one thing they didn’t fix you wish they had? I wish they had killed the top-35 rule. Never liked it, especially since it came into use at the worst possible time (2005, when they introduced impound procedures for the vast majority of the schedule, creating a “kick them when they’re down” environment). This setup has seen drivers who qualified ninth quickest in a session DNQ because they couldn’t beat the requisite number of people who had to qualify on speed. I’m not the only person who believes this, but NASCAR should go back to the 36 fastest + 7 “provisional” system that was last used in 2004. That format was only eliminated due to Brian France looking back at what was probably the quirkiest season of the last 20 years on the surface, determining that people were leeching off the system, and making the changes to stop that without looking at the big picture. Maybe it could be a 40 + 3 provisional setup; whatever the solution, I would be fine with either compared to what we have now.
Jay Pennell, Senior Editor: Overall, I believe this move was smart in terms of simplifying the points system so that fans watching in the stands and at home can follow the points battle much easier than ever before. I do feel there should be more of a bonus for winning, but I think the tweaks they made to the Chase criteria will make the final races of the “regular season” some of the best races all year long.
Tony Lumbis, Marketing Manager: I really would like to see the old system come back, or at the very least, back to the original Chase format where 10 drivers got in and at the very least, keep the ranking they earned all year. However, knowing that won’t happen, the Chase changes they did make were pretty good. I like the fact that the 11th or 12th-place guy can’t get bumped deep into the top 10.
The new points system is a lot easier, but I’m still struggling to see the issue that NASCAR claims this created. I don’t think fans have been leaving the sport in droves over the past decade because they thought the points system is too complicated. Plus, I still can’t believe they haven’t got rid of the top-35 rule in qualifying. That makes it difficult for the underdog teams that everyone loves to root for to even make the show! The old provisional system was complicated, but it did the trick. Give the good drivers so many mulligans and if you still mess up beyond that, well, you probably deserved to miss the race.
Vito Pugliese, Senior Writer: Another year, another new title chase. Yawwwnnn… come on, NASCAR. This is exactly HOW you don’t gain credibility with the stick and ball crowd you so desperately want to like you. Do the NFL, NCAA, or MLB change the rules and the scoring system every three years? At this point, it is beyond comical but yet isn’t really funny anymore. Never once have any of my non-NASCAR literate friends ever seemed confused by the points system. The Chase in and of itself is stupid and has no business in motorsports at any level beyond lawnmower racing. Enough of the lame reasoning by the drivers that it makes things easier for them to figure out. Please. That is why you have a team of engineers and enough computers on your pit box to run a cooling tower. I’m sure somebody can conjure up an Excel spreadsheet to figure out the points breakdown…
You want the best points system ever?! Go back to the way it was from 1975-2003, 15 bonus points for a win, 5 bonus points for a pole. There, system solved, ratings go up, winning (and NASCAR) matters and qualifying matters, because the Chase doesn’t matter. As it is, nobody cares and the ratings prove this point beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you don’t think so, you can shut up and wait in the car, because you’re wrong.
Danny Peters, Senior Writer: NASCAR’s big gaffe is easy to find: more bonus points for winning. This, to me is the biggest miss of what is otherwise a move in the right direction. Simplifying the points made sense but now, more than under the old system, a poor finish will be massively punished – especially in the Chase. Overall, I’m happy with the changes but it could and should have been so much better.
Jeff Meyer, Senior Writer: The one thing they DIDN’T fix?? Tell me one thing they DID fix! Other than getting rid of the Chase altogether, can anyone out there honestly say that they know of anyone; friends, family, longtime fans or casual fans who were wanting the points system to be revamped?! Or who thought a “one-time winner” should honestly be in the Chase? The biggest thing that NASCAR needs to change is who is in charge. Brian France is the most out of touch head of a professional sport than any other “commissioner” in the history of professional sports. Get someone at the helm who A) actually cares about the sport, B) is “not stupider than a stump” and C) to whom his subordinates are not afraid to stand up to. Then, and only then, will NASCAR be able to begin to address and fix the problems that beset it now. Think about it: Mr. France is perceived as a buffoon by most anyone connected with the sport. His father and grandfather were respected… maybe not liked, but they were respected. I feel Brian is neither, and that’s a problem.
Garrett Horton, Frontstretch Contributor: Honestly? I thought the points system was perfectly fine the way it was. With that said, this new format won’t be too much different, just easier to follow. NASCAR got it right with the two “wildcard” drivers, at least. It will likely take just two wins to qualify for the Chase, and with just the top-10 in points making it instead of the top-12, consistent finishes won’t guarantee a spot in the Chase anymore. Good finishes will still be nice to have, but this change will promote more aggressive driving.
Kyle Ocker, Frontstretch Contributor: While the new points system is easier for the fans to understand, it still will end up being the same thing. I think the change of allowing drivers with the most wins that aren’t in the top-10 is a good tweak, allowing for some flavor and slightly different names in the Chase. However, those drivers will likely continue to be 11th and 12th since the reason they weren’t in the top-10 in the first place was because they could win a couple of races but they weren’t consistent. As much as we all like to dream about having a championship battle involving 43 drivers heading into the final race tied, frankly? It’s just not possible.
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Monday on the Frontstretch:
No Longer ‘Intimidating:’ In The Blink Of An Eye, The Further Devaluation of NASCAR’s Past and Present
Bubble Breakdown: As Daytona Nears, Points Shake Up Amongst The Top-35
Fact Or Fiction: On Pick-A-Series, Silly Season, And Earnhardt/Letarte
Beyond the Cockpit: Bill Lester On Grand-Am Goals And NASCAR Dreams
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Charlotte’s Four Burning Questions: Translating Success And McMurray’s Time To Shine
Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Cleaning Out The Vintage Vault
Brendan Gaughan Driver Diary: Race Day, Sharks, And A Fast Fix
That Sound You Heard? Hall Of Fame Standards Dropping A Notch
IndyCar In-Depth: Indianapolis 500
Formula 1 Friday: Two Questions
Voices From the Cheapseats: Discussing The Need For Diversity’
Nuts for Nationwide: Jack Ingram’s Moment To Shine
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