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August 03, 2007
Rain tires ready for Busch race, just in case
Goodyear brought rain tires to Montreal, cars will also have windshield wipers, defrosters and rear lights, just in case it rains. NASCAR seems determined not to get the race put off or delayed this time. Same setup is also said to be the same for the Busch race at Watkins Glen.
We've heard this happen before in the past, but it never rained, so it hasn't been tested out in race conditions and from the weather reports, it doesn't appear they will need them this weekend either, but they are on hand if needed.
Other series race in the rain, but with the ovals NASCAR drives on it hasn't been deemed safe to attempt rain tires, rain tires are only designated for road courses. While it may be considered safe for them to race in the rain, as long as it's not a downpour, is it really safe for the over the wall crews? If it's raining, pit road will be wet, the wall will be wet and there is always the chance of someone slipping and falling. Then you have the factor of cars coming in on a wet pit road, I would think it ups the danger factor for the over the wall guys and for pit road accidents between cars.
Don't get me wrong, I hate rain delays and hate it when a race gets put off for another day because of the rain, but for the safety of all involved, maybe NASCAR is right in not using rain tires all these years.
Your thoughts? Are rain tires a good idea, even if it is just for the road courses?
August 3, 2007 in NASCAR Busch Series | Permalink
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Comments
Larry,
Not quite sure why you say it was fixed, but NASCAR definitely screwed Robbie Gordon. It was obviously thar Ambrose spun Robbie well after the caution came out, so how could they possibly give the spot to Ambrose and then put Robbie back in 12th and he eventually was scored 18th two laps down for not answering the black flag.
Posted by: Jon | Aug 4, 2007 7:47:55 PM
Larry,
Too funny. Robby screwed again.. Caution was out before he got spun.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 4, 2007 7:46:47 PM
boy the busch race was fix nascar @@@@ robbie gordon over
Posted by: larry | Aug 4, 2007 7:14:07 PM
Bill,
Last time I checked I in Pocono..
Exploring the idea, meaning instead of continuing to think about it. It is being thought about so we dont sit another weekend and can breathe instead of wasting another day sitting.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 4, 2007 5:49:50 PM
Kurt,
What do you mean NASCAR is "exploring" the idea for cup? Where have you been? They used to do the same crap about rain tires for cup but would never actually make them run. they had to scrub the program because all the rain tires dry rotted and it was too expensive for them to keep having tires made that they never used.
NASCAR is way to anal about safety to allow them to run in the rain.
Posted by: Bill | Aug 4, 2007 3:25:18 PM
Donb, I think you're right. I don't see Montoya listed on the schedule to qualify in Montreal. Doesn't look like any bad weather either.
Saw a piece of an article from Wednesday that Ganassi was shutting Montoya's Busch team down as the goal was only to get him seat time.
Posted by: PaulB | Aug 4, 2007 1:30:16 PM
Au contraire. This has happened in the past and it was with the Winston Cup cars. I've noticed that in the lead-up to this race in Montreal, everyone seems to have forgotten about NASCAR's two forays into Japan (at the Twin Ring Motegi, I believe) back in the 90s. At one of those events, the weather was inclement and the rain tires were utilized. I'm not 100% sure, but I think Mike Skinner may have won that race in the Lowes sponsored RCR Chevy.
So, rain tires in NASCAR is not a new or totally untried idea. I'm not sure it's a great idea either.
By the way, PaulB, don't take Montoya in this one. He isn't even entered deciding instead to concentrate on his Nextel car at Pocono where he might well have a better than average chance.
Posted by: Robert | Aug 4, 2007 1:23:51 PM
Just another dumb idea, well maybe not so dumb, another way to get people to watch
PaulB
I admit I have been busy this week, but I'm sure I saw that Montoya isn't in the Busch race this week
Posted by: Donb | Aug 4, 2007 12:04:24 PM
if it rains slow down the pit road speed to 20 mph.
Posted by: Henry | Aug 4, 2007 11:31:58 AM
Well it could make for domr "interesting" news reels!...But I'm not for it, for the safety of the Crews,and WHO would sit out in the rain to see cars come by every minute?!!! I think if nascar wants to play in the rain...stick to their Daytona/Rolex cars
Posted by: Fan #5 | Aug 4, 2007 8:15:13 AM
On ovals, no rain tire in the world is going to enable 3400lb cars to turn left on a greasy track. But, on road courses, it might add some drama. Something, NASCAR, and road courses, could use.
Posted by: Keith | Aug 4, 2007 7:57:02 AM
I'm not sure what the sport hopes to gain by racing in the rain, because any sport that competes in the rain becomes a sloppy mudbowl. If it rains, reschedule to the next day.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Aug 4, 2007 2:12:37 AM
Bill,
Wish you were right. But Busch has the rain tires, and next weekend rain tires, wipers, rear lights and defrosters...
We also were told they are "exploring the idea" for Cup as well, no decision as yet.
No I dont like the idea of OTW with a drenched pit stall.Part of the job though if it happens
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 3, 2007 3:34:32 PM
Don't worry, they won't be racing in the rain. They have no intention of doing so, bringing the rain tires to the track is just a horse and pony show that NASCAR likes to put on to draw attention. The first time a Buschwhacker complains they'll red flag it.
Posted by: Bill | Aug 3, 2007 3:27:53 PM
The pit road speed at most road courses is 35 mph. But the pit crew can still get injured even at that relatively low speed, so I have to vote no for racing in the rain.
Posted by: John | Aug 3, 2007 3:20:22 PM
Rain tires in NASCAR are a horrible idea, especially at the Montreal track that has little, if no, run-off areas. Most of the track is surrounded by walls and guardrails so someone is going to get seriously hurt if they race in the rain.
It would be a wild race to watch on TV but for the well-being of the drivers in the race I hope it never gets to the point where they race in the rain.
Posted by: stricklinfan82 | Aug 3, 2007 2:57:22 PM
Seems like the only thing that made the Champ Car road course races in Canada interesting was the rain. I'll watch the whole thing if it rains, probably will find something more interesting if it is dry.
Posted by: a bum | Aug 3, 2007 1:41:19 PM
Gotta admit racing in the rain is intriguing. I'll definitely watch the Busch race if that's going on. I would think the pit crews would be ok, maybe get 'em some of those water shoes to wear like my kids have.
It would really be interesting to see what driver can handle it. I'm taking Montoya for the Busch Rain Race!
Posted by: PaulB | Aug 3, 2007 12:47:37 PM
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