Man, do I hate packing and moving. It's such a pain to try and get everything in all the right spots at your new place.
--
Bruce
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
David Poole Has Passed Away
It is with a saddened heart that I must report that David Poole succumbed to a heart attack at his home Tuesday.
He was in his 13th year of covering NASCAR.
I've had opportunity to talk with David on several occasions because he took the time for the little guy. We started exchanging emails and then as I pestered the crap out of him with questions, I asked if I could interview him. Without hesitation, he said sure, and gave me his home phone number. He was my first NASCAR interview.
He could be harsh but only if you were on the other side of the argument because once he made his mind up, he dug in and never wavered unless you could downright prove to him where he was being silly.
Whenever I had a question or curiosity, he always had the time. Farewell buddy. I'll miss our intermittent chats and your perspectives.
RIP David and my condolences to his family and friends.
There's more info over on the paper / website he worked for, ThatsRacin.
He was in his 13th year of covering NASCAR.
I've had opportunity to talk with David on several occasions because he took the time for the little guy. We started exchanging emails and then as I pestered the crap out of him with questions, I asked if I could interview him. Without hesitation, he said sure, and gave me his home phone number. He was my first NASCAR interview.
He could be harsh but only if you were on the other side of the argument because once he made his mind up, he dug in and never wavered unless you could downright prove to him where he was being silly.
Whenever I had a question or curiosity, he always had the time. Farewell buddy. I'll miss our intermittent chats and your perspectives.
RIP David and my condolences to his family and friends.
There's more info over on the paper / website he worked for, ThatsRacin.
NASCAR To Penalize Drivers For Playing Within The Rules
As Brad Keselowski said in a post race interview of the NASCAR Talladega race last weekend,
"I was not going to allow myself to be in that same spot as Regan was last year and I just held my ground. I was here to win … and put these guys (his team) in victory lane. … I'm sorry it caused a wreck and sorry for those that are hurt. But that's just the situation with the rules and the way it is"
Yet drivers under stand the rule, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in the same post race set of press interviews:
"I kind of like the yellow line rule. I think that the drivers have begun to understand what it means. I think that you can't necessarily blame what happened at the finish of the race on the yellow line rule. Guys have been running over each other for years. So I mean, guys get into each other way before we had yellow line rules."
But now NASCAR is considering enforcing penalties on excessive blocking or aggressive type driving? You have got to be kidding me?
A: First NASCAR enforces a rule saying you can't go below the yellow line at plate races. Fair enough.
B: Drivers have the chance to not get penalized if they do cross the line. Fair enough.
C: Some drivers have been penalized for not self-enforcing the "out" of the rule of furthering their position. Fair enough.
D: Jr. once got a position from going below the line. They made an exception due to circumstances. Fair enough? Curious actually.
E: Last year we watched Regan Smith get forced below the yellow line on the last lap and not back off on his momentum. He got penalized for that severely. Fair? No. Consistent rule enforcement? I don't know. See "D". But Regan bowed to the yellow line beast because he was concerned about wrecking Stewart, who, it seemed, did intentionally mean to block Smith. (But that's another story altogether.)
F: The message was clearly sent by NASCAR, as Smith noted last year. Don't go below the yellow line. Which was implied, and never really denied by NASCAR that if that's the case, you need to go for the win, then obviously someone is going to get hurt because someone will get wrecked. NASCAR was put on notice. (How's that working for you NASCAR?)
G: Brad Keselowski, per Carl Edwards, did everything right. He defended his position, he had the momentum, and Carl didn't see that. Brad wanted his win, and of course, Regan Smith was on his mind. Carl came down on Brad and Brad held his ground.
By NASCAR's very own rules and their enforcement of the rules on previous efforts, there's question as to who gets leniency and who doesn't. The question or fact remains that NASCAR's rules forced the situation that happened last weekend.
Now, they are reportedly looking to come down on aggressive driving / blocking in these races? Are you EFFING kidding me? Why don't we just put the drivers in solar powered soap box derby cars and keep the speeds to about 40 mph? How'd that work for you NASCAR?
No, instead, NASCAR should actually put into affect the "Last Lap, Anything Goes" rule. Remember how all the drivers were under the assumption that anything goes on the last lap due to a statement made by a Truck Series official? I think they need to bring back the exception that NASCAR denied that they had.
This last lap, or last 1/2 lap exception would not hurt anyone. The yellow line rule is in affect to keep people from being on the apron doing 200 mph where cars can't hold their line. When they're down there and lose their line, they can cause a wreck. Fair enough. But once everyone has passed the start / finish line at the checkers, they back off and slow down. The speeds aren't there and they aren't packed up tightly. It's at this time that the apron would not be the danger it normally presents during the race.
So let them have their free-for-all in that last 1/2 to 1/4 lap NASCAR. You would then still have fantastic racing and fantastic finishes, allowing the drivers do what they do best - race to the line. Put the intensity back in the finishes NASCAR. You owe us that after creating the situation that occured last weekend with your yellow line rule.
"I was not going to allow myself to be in that same spot as Regan was last year and I just held my ground. I was here to win … and put these guys (his team) in victory lane. … I'm sorry it caused a wreck and sorry for those that are hurt. But that's just the situation with the rules and the way it is"
Yet drivers under stand the rule, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in the same post race set of press interviews:
"I kind of like the yellow line rule. I think that the drivers have begun to understand what it means. I think that you can't necessarily blame what happened at the finish of the race on the yellow line rule. Guys have been running over each other for years. So I mean, guys get into each other way before we had yellow line rules."
But now NASCAR is considering enforcing penalties on excessive blocking or aggressive type driving? You have got to be kidding me?
A: First NASCAR enforces a rule saying you can't go below the yellow line at plate races. Fair enough.
B: Drivers have the chance to not get penalized if they do cross the line. Fair enough.
C: Some drivers have been penalized for not self-enforcing the "out" of the rule of furthering their position. Fair enough.
D: Jr. once got a position from going below the line. They made an exception due to circumstances. Fair enough? Curious actually.
E: Last year we watched Regan Smith get forced below the yellow line on the last lap and not back off on his momentum. He got penalized for that severely. Fair? No. Consistent rule enforcement? I don't know. See "D". But Regan bowed to the yellow line beast because he was concerned about wrecking Stewart, who, it seemed, did intentionally mean to block Smith. (But that's another story altogether.)
F: The message was clearly sent by NASCAR, as Smith noted last year. Don't go below the yellow line. Which was implied, and never really denied by NASCAR that if that's the case, you need to go for the win, then obviously someone is going to get hurt because someone will get wrecked. NASCAR was put on notice. (How's that working for you NASCAR?)
G: Brad Keselowski, per Carl Edwards, did everything right. He defended his position, he had the momentum, and Carl didn't see that. Brad wanted his win, and of course, Regan Smith was on his mind. Carl came down on Brad and Brad held his ground.
By NASCAR's very own rules and their enforcement of the rules on previous efforts, there's question as to who gets leniency and who doesn't. The question or fact remains that NASCAR's rules forced the situation that happened last weekend.
Now, they are reportedly looking to come down on aggressive driving / blocking in these races? Are you EFFING kidding me? Why don't we just put the drivers in solar powered soap box derby cars and keep the speeds to about 40 mph? How'd that work for you NASCAR?
No, instead, NASCAR should actually put into affect the "Last Lap, Anything Goes" rule. Remember how all the drivers were under the assumption that anything goes on the last lap due to a statement made by a Truck Series official? I think they need to bring back the exception that NASCAR denied that they had.
This last lap, or last 1/2 lap exception would not hurt anyone. The yellow line rule is in affect to keep people from being on the apron doing 200 mph where cars can't hold their line. When they're down there and lose their line, they can cause a wreck. Fair enough. But once everyone has passed the start / finish line at the checkers, they back off and slow down. The speeds aren't there and they aren't packed up tightly. It's at this time that the apron would not be the danger it normally presents during the race.
So let them have their free-for-all in that last 1/2 to 1/4 lap NASCAR. You would then still have fantastic racing and fantastic finishes, allowing the drivers do what they do best - race to the line. Put the intensity back in the finishes NASCAR. You owe us that after creating the situation that occured last weekend with your yellow line rule.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ragan Wins First NASCAR Nationwide Race At Talladega
And where did he come from?
Admittedly, I never noticed David Ragan back there behind Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr.. All I can say is that I was intently watching Newman and Jr.. I was waiting to see who was going to wreck who, or if they'll both be so defensive that they end up outside the top 5.
I've seen Dale Jr. try to make a last second pass at a plate track and watch it NOT work for him at all, so I sat apprehensively as those last 3 laps boiled down.
We listened during the final caution lap between his spotter and himself:
Ah, the ever terse and delightful Dale Jr. under pressure.
When they took off, Dale Jr. pushed Newman hard, trying to put distance between them and the rest of the pack. For one lap it looked like it was working but then the rest of the pack tightened up and it was the usual scatter pack coming for that much coveted win spot.
The last 1/4 lap, Jr. made his move and Newman blocked with his fender. They both got just a bit out of wack and then from behind them, David Ragan charged through those two and took the win from Newman.
I'm not saying David Ragan is like the Intimidator, but damn, that pass from nowhere reminded me of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s last win here at Talladega.
Congrats to David Ragan and the UPS Racing team.
Did anyone notice after the race during interviews, you can hear the winning team doing their "Wooos" for the photo ops? On cue almost evey 90 seconds or so, Woo!.
Admittedly, I never noticed David Ragan back there behind Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr.. All I can say is that I was intently watching Newman and Jr.. I was waiting to see who was going to wreck who, or if they'll both be so defensive that they end up outside the top 5.
I've seen Dale Jr. try to make a last second pass at a plate track and watch it NOT work for him at all, so I sat apprehensively as those last 3 laps boiled down.
We listened during the final caution lap between his spotter and himself:
Spotter: "I know you know this, but the 33 is real strong by itself. Just a little information for ya."
Dale Jr.: "He ain't leading the race for nuthing."
Spotter: "Ya, 10-4, I gotchya."
Dale Jr.: "He just..., let me handle it. Don't try and talk me out of nuthin."
Dale Jr.: "He ain't leading the race for nuthing."
Spotter: "Ya, 10-4, I gotchya."
Dale Jr.: "He just..., let me handle it. Don't try and talk me out of nuthin."
Ah, the ever terse and delightful Dale Jr. under pressure.
When they took off, Dale Jr. pushed Newman hard, trying to put distance between them and the rest of the pack. For one lap it looked like it was working but then the rest of the pack tightened up and it was the usual scatter pack coming for that much coveted win spot.
The last 1/4 lap, Jr. made his move and Newman blocked with his fender. They both got just a bit out of wack and then from behind them, David Ragan charged through those two and took the win from Newman.
I'm not saying David Ragan is like the Intimidator, but damn, that pass from nowhere reminded me of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s last win here at Talladega.
Congrats to David Ragan and the UPS Racing team.
Did anyone notice after the race during interviews, you can hear the winning team doing their "Wooos" for the photo ops? On cue almost evey 90 seconds or so, Woo!.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Has Goodyear Fixed The Indy Tire Problem?
Today I heard that Goodyear was still testingtires for Indianapolis that will last more than 12 laps. For some reason, I presumed that they would have gotten this under wraps by now, but apparently they have not. Silly me.
As you remember, last years race was a debacle as the field had to pit every 10 laps. Thus making the race nothing but a series of trophy dashes.
It would seem that Goodyear is still trying to fix the problem and they haven't found the correct mix of compounds yet. This means that today, right now, they still have tires that only last 10-12 laps, per repetitive tire tests.
Not good gang. If Goodyear needs 30 days to make a batch of tires for a race and they're running out of time.
I'm betting that right now, if they don't get the correct compound, they'll probably go to a very hard tire that doesn't wear / blow as fast. This will keep the cars out there longer, but the grip will suck and the drivers will have to adapt and slow way down to keep the cars in their repsective lanes.
As you remember, last years race was a debacle as the field had to pit every 10 laps. Thus making the race nothing but a series of trophy dashes.
It would seem that Goodyear is still trying to fix the problem and they haven't found the correct mix of compounds yet. This means that today, right now, they still have tires that only last 10-12 laps, per repetitive tire tests.
Not good gang. If Goodyear needs 30 days to make a batch of tires for a race and they're running out of time.
I'm betting that right now, if they don't get the correct compound, they'll probably go to a very hard tire that doesn't wear / blow as fast. This will keep the cars out there longer, but the grip will suck and the drivers will have to adapt and slow way down to keep the cars in their repsective lanes.
Double Duty At 'Dega - Who's Nuts Enough? (With TV Times)
Whose brave enough to do attempt the "double duty" at Talladega this weekend?
The brave souls that do qualify will be pulling
We here at NBaP is tired just thinking of that!
- Brad Keselowski
- Brian Vickers
- Carl Edwards
- Clint Bowyer
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- David Ragan
- David Reutimann
- Eric McClure
- Joe Nemechek
- Joey Logano
- Kyle Busch,
- Michael McDowell
- Michael Waltrip
- Matt Kenseth
- Ryan Newman
The brave souls that do qualify will be pulling
- 117 laps on Saturday (Aaron's 312 - 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday ABC ) and
- 312 laps on Sunday (Aaron's 499 - 1 p.m. ET, FOX).
We here at NBaP is tired just thinking of that!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Are Ch 11 Papers Being Drawn Up For Chrysler?
In a shocking, and yet, not surprising move, the Govt. started drawing up Chapter 11 docs for Chrysler. Or at least that's what the New York Times is reporting.
General Motors Corp. on Thursday did announce plans to shut down 13 assembly plants in North America for "multiple weeks" in the summer to minimize the amount of unsold inventory as they face slowed demand of their product.
All the while they are still trying to negotiate with their creditors in how best to handle the debt.
Meanwhile, NBaP noted that a New York Times article that went to print which is citing anonymous sources that it said possessed "direct knowledge of the action," said the U.S. Treasury is preparing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that could come as early as next week.
They're (Chrysler) is also looking to submit a restructure plan by April 30th in order to qualify for additional bail out money.
So despite the stories and worry, right now there are several viable options on the table that everyone is looking at and no one is writing anyone off yet.
But you can't help but wonder if the big C goes under the Ch 11 gun, what does that mean to our sport? And who's next, if anyone?
All we can do is hold our breath and wait. And hope they pull it all together.
For more details check out the Market Watch article.
Of course, I have to taunt you that speaking of change, change is coming to NBaP! Keep your eyes open! You may even miss it at first!
General Motors Corp. on Thursday did announce plans to shut down 13 assembly plants in North America for "multiple weeks" in the summer to minimize the amount of unsold inventory as they face slowed demand of their product.
All the while they are still trying to negotiate with their creditors in how best to handle the debt.
Meanwhile, NBaP noted that a New York Times article that went to print which is citing anonymous sources that it said possessed "direct knowledge of the action," said the U.S. Treasury is preparing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that could come as early as next week.
They're (Chrysler) is also looking to submit a restructure plan by April 30th in order to qualify for additional bail out money.
So despite the stories and worry, right now there are several viable options on the table that everyone is looking at and no one is writing anyone off yet.
But you can't help but wonder if the big C goes under the Ch 11 gun, what does that mean to our sport? And who's next, if anyone?
All we can do is hold our breath and wait. And hope they pull it all together.
For more details check out the Market Watch article.
Of course, I have to taunt you that speaking of change, change is coming to NBaP! Keep your eyes open! You may even miss it at first!
Truck Series Raybestos Rookie Standings
We already have four races in the books and the competition for top rookie honors is heating up.
While Canadian J.R. Fitzpatrick (No. 7 Mammoet Chevrolet) maintained his slim point lead following Martinsville, the rest of the class is right behind him and waiting for him to slip just one little mis-step.
Washington native Tayler Malsam is only four points behind Fitzpatrick. Malsam heads to Kansas with a little experience, having competed in last year's ARCA race, where he came in 14th, despite being involved in an accident.
Tied with Malsam is James Buescher (No. 10 International MaxxForce Diesel Ford). The 19-year-old comes off a strong run at Martinsville where he finished 11th, his best finish so far this year.
Raybestos Rookie Standings after four races of the 2009 season:
| 1 | J R Fitzpatrick | 42 |
| 2 | Tayler Malsam | 38 |
| 3 | James Buescher | 38 |
| 4 | Ricky Carmichael | 37 |
| 5 | Johnny Sauter | 32 |
| 6 | Chase Austin | 16 |
| 7 | Brent Raymer | 12 |
| 8 | Chris Jones | 5 |
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Probably The Most Exciting Race Weekend Coming Up
The following is written as a rough perception of how restrictor plate racing is. It's not meant to be the end-all of info on the issue. This is an emotionally based article. Have fun and I hope this is helpful to some.
4 Words:
Talladega. (That's pronounced Tal-A-Day-Ga) LOL.
But for some, this is one of the 4 of the most exciting races to watch all year long. It's a restrictor plate race, which means NASCAR has sanctioned the addition of a component to limit how much "go juice" (gas) one can pump into the carburetor. This limits the speeds of the cars.
The Down Side:
That means that they can't get going so fast that they don't become airplanes. I've watched these cars hit 200+ mph and then do a nose lift and go tumbling. No fun for the driver, the cars around them, or the fans. Hence, this safety measure.
The Up Side:
With limited fuel flow, the drivers need to stay as close as possible to the car in front of them to stay within a competitive distance to the other car. It's called drafting and there are advantages to drafting.
A car by itself can run about 160 - 170. Cars that are drafting together can run around 190 mph. Because they need to draft to keep competitive, you'll usually see the majority of the pack side by side throughout the day. Drafting also is a nasty little trick for passing other cars because you're not using as much HP to keep up with the guy in front, so you have a few extra horses to zip out and around the guy in front of you... if others follow you. Otherwise, you stick your nose out there, and the line of drafting cars just pass your a** up as you sit helplessly and watch!
Of late, during races the drivers have been more patient and string out, but as you hit the last 60 laps or so, everyone starts to play chess, trying to jockey for that one position that you can draft from and slingshot around the car in front of you for that win in that magic final lap.
Drivers Hate It:
Drivers don't think it's racing. They sit around all day driving 200 mph in close knit packs less than a few feet apart as the car jostles from the wind, trying to avoid the big wreck. The big wreck happens when someone blows a tire usually, or if someone does something stupid to cause issues because they get impatient.
Either of those tend to happen when you pack a bunch of win-hungry drivers together.
I think it is racing. Why? Because we inevitably see the more skilled drivers at the front of the pack at the end of the day. If front runners were more random, I'd agree with the "It's not racing" statement. So to me, it is racing.
Fan Intensity:
I have to say, it's one of the more edge-of-your-seat events on TV. In car camera shots or bumper cam shots are very telling in what the drivers have to deal with while they look like they're putting around the track, lap after lap. Hard core fans don't like the cam shots. At times, I love them. It says it all.
In the end, of the cars left running, usually the best car out there is competing for the win if they don't get outwitted in the draft game. If you're driver moves too soon, he gets left behind. If he waits too late, there isn't enough time to make up for it.
What other race will you see the top 30-35 cars go across the start-finish line in under 1, maybe 2 seconds?
That's why it's so fun to watch.
4 Words:Talladega. (That's pronounced Tal-A-Day-Ga) LOL.
But for some, this is one of the 4 of the most exciting races to watch all year long. It's a restrictor plate race, which means NASCAR has sanctioned the addition of a component to limit how much "go juice" (gas) one can pump into the carburetor. This limits the speeds of the cars.
The Down Side:
That means that they can't get going so fast that they don't become airplanes. I've watched these cars hit 200+ mph and then do a nose lift and go tumbling. No fun for the driver, the cars around them, or the fans. Hence, this safety measure.
The Up Side:
With limited fuel flow, the drivers need to stay as close as possible to the car in front of them to stay within a competitive distance to the other car. It's called drafting and there are advantages to drafting.
A car by itself can run about 160 - 170. Cars that are drafting together can run around 190 mph. Because they need to draft to keep competitive, you'll usually see the majority of the pack side by side throughout the day. Drafting also is a nasty little trick for passing other cars because you're not using as much HP to keep up with the guy in front, so you have a few extra horses to zip out and around the guy in front of you... if others follow you. Otherwise, you stick your nose out there, and the line of drafting cars just pass your a** up as you sit helplessly and watch!
Of late, during races the drivers have been more patient and string out, but as you hit the last 60 laps or so, everyone starts to play chess, trying to jockey for that one position that you can draft from and slingshot around the car in front of you for that win in that magic final lap.
Drivers Hate It:
Drivers don't think it's racing. They sit around all day driving 200 mph in close knit packs less than a few feet apart as the car jostles from the wind, trying to avoid the big wreck. The big wreck happens when someone blows a tire usually, or if someone does something stupid to cause issues because they get impatient.
Either of those tend to happen when you pack a bunch of win-hungry drivers together.
I think it is racing. Why? Because we inevitably see the more skilled drivers at the front of the pack at the end of the day. If front runners were more random, I'd agree with the "It's not racing" statement. So to me, it is racing.
Fan Intensity:
I have to say, it's one of the more edge-of-your-seat events on TV. In car camera shots or bumper cam shots are very telling in what the drivers have to deal with while they look like they're putting around the track, lap after lap. Hard core fans don't like the cam shots. At times, I love them. It says it all.
In the end, of the cars left running, usually the best car out there is competing for the win if they don't get outwitted in the draft game. If you're driver moves too soon, he gets left behind. If he waits too late, there isn't enough time to make up for it.
What other race will you see the top 30-35 cars go across the start-finish line in under 1, maybe 2 seconds?
That's why it's so fun to watch.
Some New Starters Hitting Talladega In The Nationwide Series
Several drivers are aiming making their first NASCAR Nationwide Series start of the 2009 year.
Earnhardt attempted to compete earlier in the season but was unable to earn a starting spot.
Meanwhile, 22 drivers have competed in all seven Nationwide Series races this season. The highest positioned driver who has not competed in all seven is Joey Logano (No. 20 GameStop Toyota).
There are 47 drivers hitting the timing lights for the 43 starting spots in this weekend's Nationwide race.
Among those looking to make the field on speed are
- Ryan Newman (No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet),
- Kerry Earnhardt (No. 31 Chevrolet, owned by Stanton Barrett),
- Bobby Gerhart (No. 275 Chevrolet, owned by Bob Schacht) and
- Justin Hobgood (No. 91 Chevrolet, owned by Randy Humphrey).
Earnhardt attempted to compete earlier in the season but was unable to earn a starting spot.
Meanwhile, 22 drivers have competed in all seven Nationwide Series races this season. The highest positioned driver who has not competed in all seven is Joey Logano (No. 20 GameStop Toyota).
There are 47 drivers hitting the timing lights for the 43 starting spots in this weekend's Nationwide race.
Among those looking to make the field on speed are
- Scott Wimmer (No. 40 StopRepairBills.com Chevrolet; 31st in car owner points),
- Jeff Green (No. 05 31W Insulation; 32nd),
- Brian Keselowski (No. 26 Schweitzer Tile Dodge; 33rd),
- Kenny Hendrick (No. 42 Dodge, owned by Chip Ganassi; 34th) and
- John Wes Townley (No. 09 Zaxby's Ford; 35th).
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