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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.
Johnny Sauter Penalized For Fuel Cell Infraction At Kansas
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Thorsport Racing, along with former Truck Series point leader Johnny Sauter are reeling this Wednesday after a major penalty involving their No. 98 Toyota. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the team was fined $10,000, crew chief Joel Shear has been suspended for four races and 25 owner points were taken away as a result of a faulty fuel cell, confiscated during pre-race inspection at Kansas. Driver Sauter was also hit was a loss of 25 points, completely reshaping the championship Chase heading into the next race of the season at Charlotte May 17th. According to NASCAR officials, the team violated multiple sections of the rulebook. The key ones involve Section 20B-16 and 20B-16.1B, regarding the proper size and functioning of fuel cells. “Once a fuel cell or fuel cell components have been certified,” the rules say, “Modifications of any kind will not be permitted.” The 16.1B portion refers to black safety foam, with a minimum height of eight inches that must be used as a safety mechanism when putting together the fuel cell itself. By violating that rule, NASCAR is insinuating the team modified or enhanced the cell in some way by cutting back / replacing that foam. Section 12-1, actions detrimental to stock car racing was also listed as a rules violation along with 12-4K, which gives NASCAR Officials the leeway to penalize teams when they feel previously legal equipment was modified, in any manner after being initially inspected. Thorsport, as of yet has not said whether they plan to appeal. The penalties mean Matt Crafton becomes the new Truck Series point leader, by 13 over Jeb Burton while Sauter gets pushed back into a tie for second place. |
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Matt McLaughlin · Wednesday December 5, 2012
Editor’s Note: Our apologies on being a day late and a dollar short on posting Part II. After all, it is the offseason! For Part I of Matt’s look back on the end of 2012, click here.
As you know I am retired, officially so I can offer the following only as anecdotal evidence. What were the two big stories in NASCAR this year? Working at an auto parts store, a place where you’d expect a fair amount of the clientele to be car guys and race fans, and in addition hanging in the classic car community near 24/7, I can tell you what folks talked to me about. First and foremost, they talked about the near disaster with the jet dryer at Daytona. Of course, their curiosity was heightened by the fact that despite having around 80 cameras at the track, FOX by and large missed the incident itself, leaving baffled boys in the booth wondering just what in the hell had happened. (But you don’t expect a wreck under caution, right? Hmm… I seem to remember Joe Cooksey in the ARCA race wrecking the pace car under caution. Or the time the pace car got its revenge and took out Bryce Carlson’s race car under caution at Texas. There’s a fundamental truism at a race track… you never turn your back on a moving race car.)
Jeff Gordon’s late-season scrap with Clint Bowyer was one of the few moments NASCAR registered on the radar screen with casual fans in 2012.
The second incident that drew a lot of casual and non-fan’s attention, and recall this was nine months later, was Jeff Gordon’s mental meltdown at Phoenix when he decided to wreck Clint Bowyer, a thuggish move that also collected Joey Logano. As soon as I arrived at work, my co-workers wanted to know, “what the hell was that all about and what is NASCAR going to do about it?” They wanted to know if Gordon had actually been in the melee by the pit box throwing punches and if Bowyer had ever caught up with him. None of them had actually been watching the race, but they’d seen the coverage of the incident on SportsCenter while waiting to see the highlights of that afternoon’s NFL action. Among the more informed fans (and customers) the general consensus was, “If Kyle Busch got parked for wrecking Hornaday in that Truck race, Gordon needs to sit out this weekend.” Others harbored darker thoughts. Gordon was, after all well and truly out of title contention. His teammate (in fact, Gordon is listed as de facto owner of the No. 48 team) was engaged in a tight title bout with Keselowski. Charging into the picture was a surprisingly resurgent Bowyer, looking to spoil the party as third in points. That little late race dust-up eliminated any chances Bowyer had for winning the big prize. Team orders? I’d like to think not. Gordon is one of the elder statesmen of the sport. His character and talent have been tested numerous times in the heat of title battles and races. Only very occasionally has his temper flared out of control on or off the track. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I’m not surprised if others think something smells rotten in Denmark.
From the same perspective, let me tell you what nobody was talking about at the store this year. First and foremost, they weren’t talking about NASCAR. Nobody seemed interested in the title battle between Johnson and Keselowski as it waxed and waned during the Chase. Nobody seemed concerned that Busch and Kevin Harvick were struggling down the stretch. Nobody really seemed to give a damn that after a stellar 2011 season, Carl Edwards couldn’t seem to get out of his own way. If there was any moaning and hand-wringing Dodge was leaving the sport, I never heard it online or in person. What seems to have stopped mattering worth a large pile of legumes to NASCAR itself is that the Bean Channel is probably getting bigger ratings. NASCAR TV audiences are down, and down at an alarming rate. But those who are supposed to care? They don’t seem to. Yeah, I’ve read this one before. The HMS Titanic is unsinkable, sir, we’re just stopping off for a bit of ice.
Have you nothing to say positive, you cranky old bastard, some of you are thinking by now. I do indeed and let me shout it from the rooftop. In a break of character worthy of Lindsay joining a cloistered order of Nuns, NASCAR decided to try something radical next year. If you hadn’t heard, next year the Truck Series will head to a short track, a decade after weeding most such tracks from the schedule even though that’s where the Truck Series was birthed. And this isn’t just any short track where the trucks will race. This is Eldora, a tiny little dirt track owned by Tony Stewart and legendary amongst the Outlaws ranks. That’s right; a top-tier NASCAR series is going to take them out and get them dirty. I’ve espoused the idea of a NASCAR Touring series returning to the dirt for a decade but as I’ve done so, I’ve always felt like a kid who lives in an apartment in the Bronx asking for a pony for Christmas.
Running the trucks on a dirt track is no simple business. They’ll need a new aero package for Eldora that doesn’t give one manufacturer an advantage. Goodyear is going to have to develop a special tire for the event, perhaps even one with tread if there’s to be a good race this July. Perhaps almost as astounding is this event won’t be a Friday night race. The race is scheduled for a Wednesday night. That will allow Cup regulars, N-W competitors, and even drivers from other disciplines of racing (several have expressed interest) a chance to compete. Midweek summer races are another cause I have promoted for years while feeling like a monkey seeking self-gratification in a gum-gum tree.
This idea isn’t NASCAR just pushing the edges of the envelope. It’s NASCAR tearing the envelope to shreds, tossing the pieces aside, hopping off the desk and heading down the basement to the rumba room, limbo sticks in hand. It’s NASCAR finally listening to disenfranchised fans who can’t stomach the bland fare they’ve been serving up in all three touring series the last decade. Maybe the Eldora race will be a disaster, with only a few trucks finishing and the winner two laps ahead of the field. I don’t think that will happen, but even if it does this experiment is a noble one worth trying. NASCAR, after a decade of denial, is finally listening to the fans. We’ll have to wait until July to see how the experiment works out and I, for one can’t count the days until it does. I wish I could say the same about a longer race they’ll be holding in late February in Daytona…
Speaking of Bowyer, who deserves the honor of NASCAR’s “Driver of the Year?” Well, Brad Keselowski of course. All drivers compete for the prize but only one gets the Big Enchilada. However, the first runner-up has to be Bowyer. Recall, a little over a year ago Bowyer was damaged goods, unsure where he’d be driving in 2012 after the loss of his sponsor(s) at RCR. (Mainly General Mills.) In an almost unprecedented deal, Bowyer approached Childress with money on the table, a letter of intent from 5-Hour Energy to sponsor a full-time effort in the Cup Series for 2012. In an even more unprecedented move, given the state of the economy and the sport Childress turned down that option. It didn’t fit with his long-term plan for RCR, one which obviously involves his two grandsons. (Even stalwart Kevin Harvick has seen what’s going on and decided to bail after 2013. Childress has pretty much indicated he doesn’t give a damn and he’s got sponsorship in place for his grandson even if Bud bails with Harvick.) Left with limited to no options, Bowyer signed with Michael Waltrip Racing, an organization that quite frankly had been a joke people, including Toyota, were getting tired of. To walk into that situation, that late in the year and to end up winning three times (at a road course, a short track and a superspeedway) was impressive. To total 23 top-10 finishes overall, making the Chase and finishing second in points with a new car on that team is nothing short of amazing.
Is Richard Childress ignoring parts of the RCR organization while giving the best equipment — and the most money — to his grandsons?
Conversely, the biggest disappointment in the sport this year has got to be RCR. Yeah, Harvick kind of backed into the Chase but he was never a factor once it began. He ended up eighth in the standings and, of course, posted that one win at Phoenix in what amounted to a battle of “Last Man Standing” when NASCAR failed to throw a caution flag late whilst Harvick was in the midst of running out of gas. His two teammates, Paul Menard and Jeff Burton, struggled to finish sixteenth and nineteenth in the points, respectively. Between the three full-time RCR teams, the drivers managed eight of a possible 108 top-5 finishes, about a seven and a half percent batting average. Things were a bit brighter on the other side of the shop, where apparently the money and attention were being spent. Austin Dillon won twice and finished third in the points, while younger brother Ty won once and finished fourth in the points. Both Dillon brothers, down the stretch appeared serious title contenders but late-season problems bit them both. Meanwhile, for reasons not readily apparent late in the year Elliott Sadler, who once appeared a shoe-in for the N-W title became persona non-gratis and was set afloat on an ice drift. I have no idea what was going on at RCR this year, but I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall to capture the behind-the-scenes soap opera that increasingly featured the Dillon boys.
The official name of the ceremonies leading up to the Awards Banquet? “Strip Seize.” Classy guys, very classy. Did anyone else, even Brian France his very own self, note that the Betty Jean France Humanitarian Award was being given out during “Strip Tease”? I sure did.
So what did I think of the Awards Banquet itself? To be frank, I didn’t watch it. I had to floss my teeth that night. The ceremony has become so lame that I simply can’t. It’s that bad. I don’t care if it’s in Las Vegas, New York, Tucson, Tucumcari, Tehachapi, or Tonopah. It has become, as I have said before, a three-hour commercial which is often interrupted by commercials. It all spun out of control too many years ago to count. That year, Bill France, Jr. was unable to attend the big party as he was hospitalized. Naturally, he was watching the extravaganza but nature called and he had to use the restroom. When he returned, the broadcast was showing some bizarre act where people were dancing and performing gymnastics while twisted up in curtains. “Who the Hell changed the channel?” a baffled France asked. Well Mr. France, let’s be frank. This year, everyone who tried to endure the awards broadcast changed the channel, probably within 15 minutes. They could catch their favorite driver’s comments later that night on YouTube and probably didn’t bother. In its prime, the banquet was a silly diversion. Its now become an annoying test of endurance. Change the channel, please.
Here’s an oddity from the awards nightmare. This year’s “Sponsor of the Year” (Well, actually, Marketing Achievement Award) went to Mars. As best I recall, Vile Kyle, won once this year, at Richmond, missed the Chase and finished 13th in the points. I’m clueless as to how much candy that sold but will admit I still feel dirty when I very occasionally buy a sack of M and M’s out of habit. About the last notable thing Mars did was to sit out the last few races of last year after their driver’s reprehensible behavior, but they didn’t have the balls to fire his ass. My vote for Sponsor Of The Year? (And as you know, NASCAR relentlessly hounds me for my input every season): Miller Brewing. It would be unfair to say this longtime supporter hasn’t enjoyed some success along the way. But Miller hasn’t won a title since 1983, when Bobby Allison drove the white and red Miller car yet they’ve stuck around anyway. Mars ain’t no sort of place to raise your kids; in fact, it’s cold as hell.
Here’s a shocker out of Vegas. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won Most Popular Driver honors for the tenth time in a row, matching Bill Elliott’s record. Junior’s fans have a turn out the vote effort every year that would be the envy of the Obama campaign, just as Elliott’s partisans did every year until he asked them to stop. I’m rather tired of the whole sham. Let’s at least make it meaningful. Right now, fans can vote for their favorite driver at no cost as many times as they want. Let each driver nominated for the award name a charity. Let fans vote for any driver as many times as they want, but let each vote result in a one dollar charge towards their credit card posted to their driver’s charity. All votes exercised result in a donation, not just the winner’s. Sure, there will be a lot fewer ties, but a lot more good will result from what has, in fact become a meaningless exercise.
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Friday on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: All-Star Analysis and The New Kyle Busch
Has NASCAR’s All-Star Night Lost Its Shine?
Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Get Me A Bunny
Voices From the Cheap Seats: It’s Not Nice To Fool Mother NASCAR!
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