NASCAR News - - April 17th Edition
Crew Chiefs To Drive In Thunder Roadster Race ???
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually see a crew chief drive a racecar ??? Well, you will have a chance to see just that as these guys climb down off the Pit Box and strap into the racecar. It ought to be a hoot !!!
The Crew Chiefs-turned=drivers will drive in a 30 minute racing program that includes two qualifying heats and a feature race and this will all be televised by the SPEED Channel as part of the Pre-Race Festivities to the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 19th.
Crew Chiefs expected to race this event are: Alan Gustafson (Kyle Busch), Billy Wilburn (Kyle Petty), Chad Knaus (Jimmie Johnson), Darin Grubb (Casey Mears), Gil Martin (Clint Bowyer), SPEED Channel's Jeff Hammond (No. 11), and Larry McReynolds (No. 28), Jimmy Elledge (Reed Sorenson), Kevin Manion (Martin Truex, Jr.), Paul Andrews (Bobby Labonte), Scott Miller (Jeff Burton), Steve Lane (David Stremme), Steve Latarte (Jeff Gordon), Todd Berrier (Kevin Harvick) and Tony Eury, Jr. (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.).
Be sure to check out the Inaugural Kobalt Tool Crew Chief Race, it should prove to be quite interesting !!!
Programing Changes For Phoenix International Raceway Action This Weekend
Nextel Cup Series Qualifying is scheduled for Thursday, April 19th at 8 p.m. Eastern. On the SPEED Channel. GO Michael Waltrip Racing !!!
Busch Series Qualifying is scheduled for Friday, April 20th at 5:30 p.m. Eastern. On the SPEED Channel. GO David Reutimann !!!
The Busch Series Race "Bashas Supermarkets 200" will air on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.
The Nextel Cup Race "Subway Fresh Fit 500" will air Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on FOX.
Congratulations To . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jeff Burton for the WIN and the first repeat win at Texas Motor Speedway. Way to go Jeff !!!
Jamie McMurray for his Top 5 finish in the race. Nice job Jamie !!!
David Stremme for his Top 10 finish in the race. Pour it on David !!!
David Ragan for causing the first wreck and causing the Snickers car to go flying over the Casey Mears car.
Juan Pablo Montoya for aggressive driving and making "Smoke" consider retirement - - - not a good thing and not a way to make friends in NASCAR - - - be it drivers or fans. Grrrrr !!!!
Kyle Busch "Shrub" for taking out Dale, Jr. and leaving the track before Junior fans could track you down. I think you need glasses, pal, if you couldn't see the rest of the drivers checking up !!!
Dale, Jr. for keeping his head on straight and for driving "Shrub's" car - - - what a class act !!! I hope he was able to steal some secret information or at least left a Bud in the car !!! LOL !!!
"Smoke" for staying cool and letting his frustrations be known to JPM and the NASCAR Nation. Please don't retire, Smoke, you're the best driver in the present day.
Jimmie Johnson for never knowing what's going on at or on or around the track. When questioned in an interview the only answer is, "I don't know what you're talking about" Does the second run away tire ring any bells Jimmie. Yeah right !!!
Next Stop . . . . . Phoenix
Another weekend with the Car of Tomorrow or Today or whatever day. I personally don't like the COT's but I know that they are here to stay so I might as well get over it.
The Wal-NutzManiac
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
NASCAR Officials Grade COT
The two top dogs of NASCAR competition gave the Car of Tomorrow A- minus for show performance and a solid B for mechanical adaptation in it's debut at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Matt Kenseth was still under the weather from the fumes inside his cockpit during the race . Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet from a break in the exhaust pipe. He was able to race at Martinsville, however, he failed to qualify on time. As Mikey would say, "Welcome to my world".
When asked to grade the new design in it's first race, Robin Pemberton said, "I give it an A- minus", based on his view from the official's tower at Bristol.
"I'd give it a good, solid B. I'd want to incorporate the garage operations, the inspection process - - - the entire weekend more than just the race," NASCAR Cup director, John Darby said.
Craftsman Truck Series
Mike Skinner started on the pole and stayed out front virtually all day at Martinsville Speedway for the Kroger 250, leading all but seven of the 253 laps to win his third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Skinner, winning for the 22nd time in his career, set a series record by leading 246 laps. Way to go Mike !!! Johnny Benson Finished with a Top 10 and Kenny Schrader came in 12th. Way to go guys !!!
Is There A Seat Open In NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series Already ? ? ?
Kyle Petty, 46, will step away from the family's race car in June to join the broadcasting crew at TNT. Kyle replaces the beloved Benny Parsons in the booth and will add his commentary to five of TNT's six races. He still hasn't found a replacement for the #45 Dodge.
Kyle has been watching the races from behind the steering wheel for 28 years now, I'm sure he will have a different perspective by sitting in the broadcast booth.
Has The Honeymoon Ended For "Cisco" ? ? ?
Sunday at Martinsville the colombian rookie finished a decent 16th, while at the same time managing to tick off Tony Raines, who was slammed into the wall just as the #42 Havoline Dodge Avenger "rolled by" clipping Raines' car in the left rear.
"I don't know how he's thinking, or what his thinking is," Raines said. "Juan's supporter are always going think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread and I ain't s***, but I don't come out here to wreck people. I didn't wreck him; he shouldn't have wrecked me."
COT Gets Key Endorsement ! ! !
The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, has become the biggest fan of the safety project. "I think it's about time," Petty said. "We've been running basically the same car since 1981 and all they've done is refine it and push it around and make it look different because they're moving the tops and bottoms. The big deal I think is safety. The car has got to be a lot safer than the one we had before. You're never going to make it 100 percent safe, but you put safety in it and then you just throw the car around it."
Hopefully, the car is not slick, there's not as much downforce, and it's not as aerodynamic as what used to be or what was. I think it'll make it better. The drivers are going to have to get up and do a little driving from time to time now. You hear them complaining about the car doesn't handel good and the tracks are rough. They want smooth tracks. I said, 'Heck, if the cars drove perfect and the tracks were perfect I'd still be driving." Hey Richard, I hear that there is a seat becoming available over there at Petty Enterprises. Does your firesuit still fit ??? Or is it one of them deals like ole DW, who wants to drive the #99 Aaron's Dream Machine in the worst way and his wife, Stevie and Mikey won't let him, huh ???
Top 10 Fastest NASCAR Race Tracks
1. Texas Motor Speedway 196.235 mph
2. Atlanta Motor Speedway 194.690 mph
3. Michigan Speedway 194.232 mph
4. Lowe's Motor Speedway 193.216 mph
5. Talladega Superspeedway 191.712 mph
6. Daytona International Speedway 191.091 mph
7. Calfornia Speedway 188.245 mph
8. Chicagoland Speedway 188.147 mph
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway 186.293 mph
10. Las Vegas Motor Speedway 184.855 mph
I'll be back later ! ! !
The Wal-NutzManiac
The two top dogs of NASCAR competition gave the Car of Tomorrow A- minus for show performance and a solid B for mechanical adaptation in it's debut at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Matt Kenseth was still under the weather from the fumes inside his cockpit during the race . Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet from a break in the exhaust pipe. He was able to race at Martinsville, however, he failed to qualify on time. As Mikey would say, "Welcome to my world".
When asked to grade the new design in it's first race, Robin Pemberton said, "I give it an A- minus", based on his view from the official's tower at Bristol.
"I'd give it a good, solid B. I'd want to incorporate the garage operations, the inspection process - - - the entire weekend more than just the race," NASCAR Cup director, John Darby said.
Craftsman Truck Series
Mike Skinner started on the pole and stayed out front virtually all day at Martinsville Speedway for the Kroger 250, leading all but seven of the 253 laps to win his third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Skinner, winning for the 22nd time in his career, set a series record by leading 246 laps. Way to go Mike !!! Johnny Benson Finished with a Top 10 and Kenny Schrader came in 12th. Way to go guys !!!
Is There A Seat Open In NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series Already ? ? ?
Kyle Petty, 46, will step away from the family's race car in June to join the broadcasting crew at TNT. Kyle replaces the beloved Benny Parsons in the booth and will add his commentary to five of TNT's six races. He still hasn't found a replacement for the #45 Dodge.
Kyle has been watching the races from behind the steering wheel for 28 years now, I'm sure he will have a different perspective by sitting in the broadcast booth.
Has The Honeymoon Ended For "Cisco" ? ? ?
Sunday at Martinsville the colombian rookie finished a decent 16th, while at the same time managing to tick off Tony Raines, who was slammed into the wall just as the #42 Havoline Dodge Avenger "rolled by" clipping Raines' car in the left rear.
"I don't know how he's thinking, or what his thinking is," Raines said. "Juan's supporter are always going think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread and I ain't s***, but I don't come out here to wreck people. I didn't wreck him; he shouldn't have wrecked me."
COT Gets Key Endorsement ! ! !
The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, has become the biggest fan of the safety project. "I think it's about time," Petty said. "We've been running basically the same car since 1981 and all they've done is refine it and push it around and make it look different because they're moving the tops and bottoms. The big deal I think is safety. The car has got to be a lot safer than the one we had before. You're never going to make it 100 percent safe, but you put safety in it and then you just throw the car around it."
Hopefully, the car is not slick, there's not as much downforce, and it's not as aerodynamic as what used to be or what was. I think it'll make it better. The drivers are going to have to get up and do a little driving from time to time now. You hear them complaining about the car doesn't handel good and the tracks are rough. They want smooth tracks. I said, 'Heck, if the cars drove perfect and the tracks were perfect I'd still be driving." Hey Richard, I hear that there is a seat becoming available over there at Petty Enterprises. Does your firesuit still fit ??? Or is it one of them deals like ole DW, who wants to drive the #99 Aaron's Dream Machine in the worst way and his wife, Stevie and Mikey won't let him, huh ???
Top 10 Fastest NASCAR Race Tracks
1. Texas Motor Speedway 196.235 mph
2. Atlanta Motor Speedway 194.690 mph
3. Michigan Speedway 194.232 mph
4. Lowe's Motor Speedway 193.216 mph
5. Talladega Superspeedway 191.712 mph
6. Daytona International Speedway 191.091 mph
7. Calfornia Speedway 188.245 mph
8. Chicagoland Speedway 188.147 mph
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway 186.293 mph
10. Las Vegas Motor Speedway 184.855 mph
I'll be back later ! ! !
The Wal-NutzManiac
Sunday, April 01, 2007
What Was He Thinking ???
Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet when an exhaust pipe broke half way through the Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday. Team officials say he will be prepared to race this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. "We think that a piece of the tail pipe came off, so heat was blowing directly onto the floorboard," Vickers said. "The guys tried to put some lining in the car to protect my feet, but it didn't really help that much. I basically had to run the whole race with my feet burning that was painful." Brian said.
I have an idea Brian, why didn't you get out of the car and call it a day, rather than suffering second degree burns ??? I know, I know, to get a race car driver out of the racecar during a race is tougher than pulling teeth out of his head at 200 mph !!!
Problems With Car Of Tomorrow/Today ???
NASCAR officials are scrambling to solve a couple of ptetntially serious issues with the COT. Denny Hamlin and several others complained about the unusual amount of carbon monoxide in their system after Sunday's race. Some teams had issues with the protective foam on the right side door overheating, melting and producing toxic fumes. Some had springs that failed for on apparent reason, which may have been the reason for Biffle's car being too low during post-race inspection. There were no fines or penalties issued to the #16 machine. Yes, Larry McReynolds you were right, but please, I don't want to hear how right you were for the rest of the weekend at Martinsville !!!
NASCAR officials plan to talk to crew chiefs before they arrive at Martinsville on Friday to discuss solutions to these issues. They will look at adjusting the tolerances for minumum height until it is determined what makes the car settle. They will also suggest that teams use a thicker exhaust pipe after determining those that had exhaust system failures used a thinner pipe to conserve weight.
NASCAR officials have already talked to Roush Fenway Racing about putting a heat shield over the pipe near the right door and notching the foam highter around the pipe to keep heat from compromising it. What a shock - - - NASCAR playing nice ??? Do they realize how many fans are steamed with thier recent antics and mistakes made by them recently ??? Yeah, right !!!
The DuPont Dummy said they used more brakes than normal in last week's car of tomorrow debut, Martinsville is harder on a stock car's brakes than Bristol so be expecting a lot more whinning. I guess I better buy some extra cheese. I wonder what he'll have to say after they repave the track at Bristol, he never seems to run out of items to complain about. Soon he will be able to complain about getting up at 2 AM with his daughter - - - Right DaddyO ??? I suggest you complain to her, maybe she'll listen ???
What's up with the critical comments made by the Car of Tomorrow Inaugural Race Winner, "Shrub" Busch ???
I think that young man needs an attitude adjustment and a lesson in respect. Enough said.
As for Casey Mears starting off slow at Hendricks Motor Sports, I say what a surprise that is - - - I'm surprised that they even gave him a car to compete with since everything worth anything goes to "The Golden Boys". I have said all along that Casey should not have gone there, why did he think Brian was leaving ???
Give It Up ??? - - - - - I Think Not ! ! !
There's an article written by Tim Tuttle from SI.com dated March 29th, Mr. Tuttle believes that Michael Waltrip should, and I quote, "Fire Himself" ? ? ? Where do these sports writers get off spewing this non-sense all over the Internet ??? No, it's not just Mr. Tuttle, either, but I think they are shooting themselves in the foot and making a lot of fans angry, after all Michael Waltrip and all his fans, along with the rest of the world KNOW that we are having hard times trying to get a brand new team up and running with a car manufacturer that is new to Nextel Cup, we don't need to be reminded every single day of the week !!! They should spend their energy writing something good and uplifting and cut the negative energy stuff. Just my opinion, but then what do I know ???
I am an avid NASCAR fan, who just so happens to be Michael's #1 Fan. Since when have I lost my right to support whomever I want and, more importantly, when has Michael Waltrip lost his right to participate and compete ??? I love all of these sports writers and armchair quarterbacks that try to say that Michael should "fire himself". I for one believe that Michael has just as much right to participate and compete as the next guy (or gal) and I have the right and the privillege and the honor of supporting him 1000%
I believe that the real issues for the Michael bashings are two fold: Number one is the fact that Michael is a Christian and makes no bones about it. The second reason is the hatred for TOYOTA coming into NASCAR. I cannot believe the hate that I have seen because of this, it boggles the mind !!! But as my Driver would say, "Get over it." !!! Because TOYOTA is here to stay, just like the Car of Today is here to stay, so deal with it !!!
In his article Mr. Tuttle mentions drivers that he feels Michael could find "at mid-season" to take his place, first of all since when are we in "mid-season" with only five races run so far ??? Anyway, here's his list of possible replacement drivers: Mike Wallace, John Andretti, Mike Skinner or Bill Elliott, EXCUSE me but Michael is not looking for a driver for the #55 NAPA Auto Parts TOYOTA Camry, much less a driver to qualify the above mentioned TOYOTA, which Michael has mentioned on Inside Nextel Cup, what part of that don't you understand Mr. Tuttle ???
That's all I have for now. Have a wonderful week and check back next week for another edition of NASCAR News !!!
The Wal-NutzManiac
Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet when an exhaust pipe broke half way through the Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday. Team officials say he will be prepared to race this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. "We think that a piece of the tail pipe came off, so heat was blowing directly onto the floorboard," Vickers said. "The guys tried to put some lining in the car to protect my feet, but it didn't really help that much. I basically had to run the whole race with my feet burning that was painful." Brian said.
I have an idea Brian, why didn't you get out of the car and call it a day, rather than suffering second degree burns ??? I know, I know, to get a race car driver out of the racecar during a race is tougher than pulling teeth out of his head at 200 mph !!!
Problems With Car Of Tomorrow/Today ???
NASCAR officials are scrambling to solve a couple of ptetntially serious issues with the COT. Denny Hamlin and several others complained about the unusual amount of carbon monoxide in their system after Sunday's race. Some teams had issues with the protective foam on the right side door overheating, melting and producing toxic fumes. Some had springs that failed for on apparent reason, which may have been the reason for Biffle's car being too low during post-race inspection. There were no fines or penalties issued to the #16 machine. Yes, Larry McReynolds you were right, but please, I don't want to hear how right you were for the rest of the weekend at Martinsville !!!
NASCAR officials plan to talk to crew chiefs before they arrive at Martinsville on Friday to discuss solutions to these issues. They will look at adjusting the tolerances for minumum height until it is determined what makes the car settle. They will also suggest that teams use a thicker exhaust pipe after determining those that had exhaust system failures used a thinner pipe to conserve weight.
NASCAR officials have already talked to Roush Fenway Racing about putting a heat shield over the pipe near the right door and notching the foam highter around the pipe to keep heat from compromising it. What a shock - - - NASCAR playing nice ??? Do they realize how many fans are steamed with thier recent antics and mistakes made by them recently ??? Yeah, right !!!
The DuPont Dummy said they used more brakes than normal in last week's car of tomorrow debut, Martinsville is harder on a stock car's brakes than Bristol so be expecting a lot more whinning. I guess I better buy some extra cheese. I wonder what he'll have to say after they repave the track at Bristol, he never seems to run out of items to complain about. Soon he will be able to complain about getting up at 2 AM with his daughter - - - Right DaddyO ??? I suggest you complain to her, maybe she'll listen ???
What's up with the critical comments made by the Car of Tomorrow Inaugural Race Winner, "Shrub" Busch ???
I think that young man needs an attitude adjustment and a lesson in respect. Enough said.
As for Casey Mears starting off slow at Hendricks Motor Sports, I say what a surprise that is - - - I'm surprised that they even gave him a car to compete with since everything worth anything goes to "The Golden Boys". I have said all along that Casey should not have gone there, why did he think Brian was leaving ???
Give It Up ??? - - - - - I Think Not ! ! !
There's an article written by Tim Tuttle from SI.com dated March 29th, Mr. Tuttle believes that Michael Waltrip should, and I quote, "Fire Himself" ? ? ? Where do these sports writers get off spewing this non-sense all over the Internet ??? No, it's not just Mr. Tuttle, either, but I think they are shooting themselves in the foot and making a lot of fans angry, after all Michael Waltrip and all his fans, along with the rest of the world KNOW that we are having hard times trying to get a brand new team up and running with a car manufacturer that is new to Nextel Cup, we don't need to be reminded every single day of the week !!! They should spend their energy writing something good and uplifting and cut the negative energy stuff. Just my opinion, but then what do I know ???
I am an avid NASCAR fan, who just so happens to be Michael's #1 Fan. Since when have I lost my right to support whomever I want and, more importantly, when has Michael Waltrip lost his right to participate and compete ??? I love all of these sports writers and armchair quarterbacks that try to say that Michael should "fire himself". I for one believe that Michael has just as much right to participate and compete as the next guy (or gal) and I have the right and the privillege and the honor of supporting him 1000%
I believe that the real issues for the Michael bashings are two fold: Number one is the fact that Michael is a Christian and makes no bones about it. The second reason is the hatred for TOYOTA coming into NASCAR. I cannot believe the hate that I have seen because of this, it boggles the mind !!! But as my Driver would say, "Get over it." !!! Because TOYOTA is here to stay, just like the Car of Today is here to stay, so deal with it !!!
In his article Mr. Tuttle mentions drivers that he feels Michael could find "at mid-season" to take his place, first of all since when are we in "mid-season" with only five races run so far ??? Anyway, here's his list of possible replacement drivers: Mike Wallace, John Andretti, Mike Skinner or Bill Elliott, EXCUSE me but Michael is not looking for a driver for the #55 NAPA Auto Parts TOYOTA Camry, much less a driver to qualify the above mentioned TOYOTA, which Michael has mentioned on Inside Nextel Cup, what part of that don't you understand Mr. Tuttle ???
That's all I have for now. Have a wonderful week and check back next week for another edition of NASCAR News !!!
The Wal-NutzManiac
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