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January 21, 2008
Qualifying changes for 2008
Michael Waltrip complained last season about qualifying, saying that the guys who have to race their way in should qualify at the same time, not sprinkled throughout the whole field. Well, it seems that NASCAR listened, starting this season, drivers who have to make it in on speed will qualify at the end of the qualifying session, meaning that the top 35 got first and then the other guys that have to make it on time. This new rule change applies to all three series, not just the Cup series.
I'm not sure how much this will help, but I guess it can't hurt, although I think they need to do away with the top 35 guarantee and make everyone qualify on time, the way qualifying use to be.
Another change going into effect this season is that the fines collected from the drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation instead of the points fund. This is something that was complained about a lot in the past because a driver could basically get his money back at the end of the season unless he had a horrible season and/or was fined heavily. This way the fines should mean more since they won't get it back. Hopefully NASCAR puts the money to good use and I hope Victory Junction Gang gets a good chunk of it.
Your thoughts?
January 21, 2008 in NASCAR, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series | Permalink
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I agree K2...Nascar needs to be like the proverbial Big dog on a chain...and we'd need a media outlet just out of there reach...if there is such a thing
Posted by: Fan#5 | Jan 28, 2008 10:38:04 PM
k2
what iam seeing in these tests is all the guys who have something to prove are the ones who have had good times and thank god for some of them
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 28, 2008 8:57:08 PM
Di,
That would be too "strict" for programmihng options at ESPN2.DJ C. is a good guy and likes that gig
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 28, 2008 7:34:24 PM
Just had another thought. Why don't K2 and F5 take over for D.J. Copp on ESPN.s NASCAR Now show? That might be fun.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 28, 2008 6:06:47 PM
K2, F5,
I think any kind of show (that I can get here in Indiana) that has you 2 guys involved would be very entertaining. Mouth and verbage is what makes things interesting. Come on guys, DO IT!! :D
Posted by: Diane | Jan 28, 2008 5:58:39 PM
Aggie,
JV fired his manager.Will only , at this time run the first 5 on a trial basis and Bill and Gail dont have a sponsor as yet.
Dario, has a 5 race deal in writing thus far, but it will continue with someone , its Dario.He will be okay with a sponsor..
Point is these guys are jumping into a car, and this aint Daytona.Where speed is differnt than a Vegas, Martinsville or Charlotte.
I dont wont anyone hurt is my point.The damn wall hurts..Trust me, been there done that. I actually cant trash the guys coming over as much as prior.I forver will the Chips, Felix's and the Brian for doing it..
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 28, 2008 5:41:44 PM
K2 It would need to be and internet radio type deal...I don't want to get 8-balled by the powere to be...Hmmmm wonder if SPEED felt pressured to muzzle Waltrip?...I'm sorry I thoroughly enjoyed his stabs at...ahem a certain Team owner from Michigan...But it's really really intriguing!
Posted by: Fan#5 | Jan 28, 2008 5:40:20 PM
K2
speaking of ow's is df with no sponser for 08?? did CClub pull out or hasnt committed, i read that cgr is going the full season with df does that mean even with no sponsor??
JV has no one right now as a sponser right??
I think JV and that manager of his went about it kinda wrong thinking a sponser would come on board and no one has showed up with their $$$$$$$
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 28, 2008 5:17:34 PM
Diane,
No network, cable or not wants me.Too much mouth and verbage used::):)
Good test today in Vegas, no I wasnt on hand but talked to a certain driver today...
We had a good day, and Aggie please tell you OW boys Vegas is a fast track and hey need to stop destroying cars..(sorry aggie, was joking) but CUP walls hurt when you hit them.....
F5, Diane gave me a idea, lets do our own "local show" in the area where we are free to express ourselves on the topics, hell we can even take callers for ?'s... We can do it on Tues nights each week and have guests as well... LMAO..
Hope you followed that F5:)
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 28, 2008 4:51:51 PM
Sorry Kathy, off subject. Since SPEED is cancelling their current version of INC on Monday night, I'm thinking they should add a crew member to the new panel. What about K2 or F5?
Posted by: Diane | Jan 28, 2008 2:53:24 PM
The rule makes sense. I agree with it.
Posted by: Bill | Jan 27, 2008 5:35:01 PM
DJ, you are right.Doug is a great guy and the kids were just like him...
Hope its different buddy than the one you brought up(I hope), but its scary out there and one mistake can forever change a familys life...
We all in NC, as you know how different town names, but we are all real close in ...
proximity to one another.
FYI, Inside Winston Cup, Nextel or whatever the hell the new name of the week is is "toast", wont return this year..
Be careful to all of you out there ....
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 27, 2008 3:28:51 PM
Very, very sad. I pray that God comforts the Herbert family and every other family that suffers such a terrible loss.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 27, 2008 10:23:05 AM
Very sad news indeed. Prayers and thoughts go to the family. I am very blessed for sure. Hold your loved ones close. DJ, be careful and enjoy.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 26, 2008 10:01:16 PM
Hey gang...just saw where Doug Herbert 2 sons got killed in an auto accident.12 and 5.Man,tough deal there.My prayers go out to him and his family and the drag racing communtity.I have a new little boy @ 7 months,so made me think unlike I have before.Being 43 and a brand new father brings alot of new perspectives on things and when I hear something like this it pains me to think about that and what happened to his family.Not that the wreck had to do with anything of the adult beverage types,but I kid about my beer and my buds and my Gray Goose...but I do it with a good degree of responsability and know the limits and very much believe in DD's.Yes,both types!!
With that said I hope all are safe and we are lucky for what we have,and some may have more than others but family is a big deal that you don't have to buy...
On a good note....You know how I am about my T-bones and adult contents.Going to a place called Robert's Ribs in a small town in SC,Chesterfield in a few.Only about 25 miles from the Rock's area.Outstanding ribs and steak and my fav atmosphere with the log cabin look and feel along with a big fireplace and a bar.Some of my favorite things!Throw in DD's and well.......!
Just feeling a bit sad with that news so ya'll be safe on the roads and thanks for allowing me a certain comfort level with the blog family on Kat's Pit Road........
Posted by: DJ | Jan 26, 2008 5:11:13 PM
K2
OKOK i know that for some of those guys like d poole a balanced diet is a double cheeseburger in each hand and 2 cokes after......nice 4 course meal!!
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 25, 2008 6:54:45 PM
k2
Love to know how the hell the Media Tour is "tedious",
come on get real what if some of those are guys are counting their carbs or watching their diets or just trying to eat a balanced diet...... that has got to be tedious??
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 25, 2008 5:09:56 PM
k2
One time Aggie, real short and sweet though @ Pickens..
iam duh here whp is pickens??
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 25, 2008 5:05:32 PM
Yeah J2, he stole your thunder what a great comment that was.I am quite sure there will much more lovely info this year that will be dismissed....
Love to know how the hell the Media Tour is "tedious", what a damn joke. Its difficult to get wined , dined, do interviews and have "ladies night" at CGR..My heart bleeds for the reporters whom had to cover it.Maybe they can rest from now till Speedweeks.
Yeah guys he is a real interesting one over there.He would argue the sky is blue when in fact its night time.
One time Aggie, real short and sweet though @ Pickens..
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 25, 2008 4:40:59 PM
k2
yeah SW might just suffer from
FKFDFS
first kid famous driver failure syndrome
to be honest i dont think the kid is naturally fast like kyb,
K2 quick question i have said on here u have driven some of these cars
have you driven a cot any where??
Posted by: Aggie | Jan 25, 2008 4:10:38 PM
I went over there at Poole's and noticed that Marc guy in reply to someone mentioned about black helicopters of which I'm famously known for describing about a certain event that occurred on this blog a while ago.
He stole one of my bullet points.
Posted by: Jon2 | Jan 25, 2008 3:27:11 PM
I went over there and posted a couple of re-buttles but I kept getting rejected for some reason?!I just saw that he is at it again.Why does he defend reality?It's like he continues to defend or deny or something the reasons why TV rating have declined and empty seats at the tracks.Got this feeling he is like Lord Fartwad from Shrek!
Ol' Humpy is my new hero.Heard him on sports radio this am talking about the state of Nascar and how he said he and others have talked to Brian about the real issues with the sport.He said we need to get back to donuts on the car and letting the boys be themselves without worrying about the hammer from Nascar coming down on them.Good for Humpy and hopefully good for us....
Posted by: DJ | Jan 25, 2008 3:17:58 PM
You cannot reason with him on anything. He always has a comeback regardless of what you post. I grew tired of fighting with him, that was surprising since I am as bull- headed as they come.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 25, 2008 2:41:14 PM
Yep K2, you described that guy over at David's perfectly. I'll take J2 any day over that guy.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 25, 2008 2:12:10 PM
for those whom frequent Davids blog, see I was nice:)
Does a certain poster over there attack anyone and everyone for what he doesnt believe? Been reading it, no comments, but hell he would attack his own mother.AND NO this is not about j2
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 25, 2008 12:46:46 PM
The tension with Jr. and Teresa has decreased a lot and both are respecting each others "areas" now.
I agree Gretch, 1 DEI cant continue the Jr merchandise thing going for contractual reasons and also why should they ? IMO they shouldnt.
Teresa caught alot of crap over "blown motors", not giving 51% etc this past season, etc.
Jrs true test will not be at the 500, there is no debate the showing will be there for that. Its after that race he will be judged by his peers.
Once again I am not slamming JR,he is at peace but a tad scared walking into his year.He was granted his wish..
I dont think the "drama" expected by the 18 car this year will be anyways as big as some are making it out to be.Will there be issues? yeah , on track.But push comes to shove everyone at JGR is about winning , not about TEAM. A NASCAR race is there to win, not to "step back for the greater good or scheme of things"...
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 25, 2008 12:36:18 PM
As far as Junior's stuff being gone from DEI, I can't say that I blame DEI. Ya'll know how I am about the whole loyalty deal. Junior left there and went to the Island as F5 and K2 call it. That's like Jeter going to the BoSox. Steve Spurrier going to FSU. Herschell Walker's kid going to Georgia Tech. Just bad family business, IMHO. So I am not shocked nor saddened by DEI's lifting of Junior's merchandise. Junior chose this path, when he made the descision he made. Does everyone truly expect DEI to continue to market and promote Junior by displaying and selling his $hit? Come on.
That's like everyone expecting DEI to keep kissing Junior's a$$. Nope. Not happening, and I admire TE for how she's handled this whole mess of a situation.
I am the type that admires folks that keep their jaws from jacking. When it comes to family disputes and family drama, I am a shut-mouth from hell. You won't beat it out of me. Junior is OBVIOUSLY not like that. He has shown repeatedly that he will air out his business openly. And that's HIS choice.
Like I've said repeatedly, I will pull for the 88 car( with the tape place over the HMS logo on my hat lol) as well as DEI.
Posted by: Gretchen | Jan 25, 2008 11:31:32 AM
Jon2,
You're right, there will be some tension at HMS this year. But Rick will be able to handle it just like the Coach did at JGR last year. Both owners will have their hands full now. I remember how mad Jeff was at JJ when they were fighting for the win last year. But it didn't last long probably because they are good friends away from the track.
Hope Casey gets a shot at some good equipment and not just the hand-me-downs.
It seems that Tony and Denny settled their differences and became good teammates. Adding Kyle to the mix will be interesting.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 24, 2008 4:05:00 PM
Diane,
I'm certain things are going to get tense at HMS some time or another. With three very talented drivers with no doubt egos to match, disagreements will occur. It's only natural. And that's where Rick H will play the peacemaker. I don't think you'll have the team/driver disagreements at HMS aired publically like happened last season at Gibbs.
It'll be interesting with Joe returning at Gibbs racing if the drama will be allowed to occur as it did in 2007 between Hamlin & Tony.
With Junior's aura I'm certain Jeff & Jimmie, especially Jeff, understands the dynamics of the Junior media attraction. He's the center of attention and the main draw in NASCAR and if anyone hasn't conceded that point then they aren't living on this planet.
Posted by: Jon2 | Jan 24, 2008 3:44:39 PM
Unless Casey's crew chief is gonna stand up and fight for him and his team IMO the focus is gonna be on Jr. this season. I would love to see Casey grow in wins and as a driver, but I think he is gonna be overlooked. JJ is already trying to find a way to break out to be above everybody in popularity. So I see problems developing in HMS dreamland. I don't think Jr. will say anything because he is to laid back for that, but I do see JJ showing his true colors {so to speak} this season. Maybe it will break his concentration and his highness will make a few mistakes.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 24, 2008 3:37:49 PM
Steven has been around for a while, DJ, but look who he has to answer to. That right there adds a definite degree of difficulty.
I hope this is a breakout year for Casey. I'd love to see him in VL a few times.
Posted by: Barb g | Jan 24, 2008 2:59:46 PM
I love it.Not an 88 fan but I sure hope this all blows up in Hendrick's face.Not saying it will,but it would be great IMO for the organization to be like a soap opera.Jr takes out JJ in say about the 4th race after they have all kissed each other's ass being pc in front of the world the first few races.Just me hoping for some drama....
I just wonder if things would be different between the unibrow and Jeffy if Jeffy didn't own the 48.Like with the bumping last year @ I think Richmond.Wonder if the 24 would be so loving after the races with congrats and whatnot.Again,hoping for drama in case the racing product sucks....
I feel this year will be the break out for Casey.He is in the KB's stuff frrom last year right?I could see him doing well and if not moving on.He will certainly have less than the big 3,but if his on track performance kicks in for the good,he will get the attention as well.....
K2,Heels looked much better,but that D is still lacking...
J2,obvious but true about young Steven.Feel sorry for the dude,but I think he has had enough time to figure out which pedal is the brake and which is the gas!I'm not sure if the talent is there or not.The car is.Like Mickey said years ago @ Bristol I think when he was in the Country Time car and wrecked.He said,"too much car and not enough driver".I can hardly bare to watch the dude getting interviewed.Oh well,hopefully he will get his career in order and I see Stremme is there now.Good for them......
Posted by: DJ | Jan 24, 2008 1:59:42 PM
I say JJ is madder than a wet hen. If Jr. got more attention than him, he is probably still fuming. Casey Mears is gonna be left behind this season, poor guy.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 24, 2008 1:24:15 PM
In case you missed it, I found the following info here on thatsracin.com.
"Each of the four Hendrick drivers spoke at the same time at the Hendricks complex Tuesday.
At 2:20 p.m., there were six members of the media around Casey Mears, 20 around Johnson, 29 around Gordon and 46 around Junior.
Fifteen minutes later, the numbers were Mears three, Gordon 11, Johnson 16 and Junior 37."
I wonder how the other 3 HMS drivers feel about the attention Jr. is getting. They actually may be relieved to have the spotlight taken off of them.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 24, 2008 12:51:20 PM
Humm,
From the degree end, I found this really interesting.. Please let me know whom controls NASCAR..
http://www.thatsracin.com/242/story/10128.html
J2, I agree with you above post.He tends to "push the issue" way too much..
F5, "lil hot shoe" yeah that is going to be real real interesting.I can hear it now" where did he and that come from........
Plus a certain lil kid with the last name of Pressley.......
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 24, 2008 12:43:01 PM
Steve W needs to be more patient on the track. Times I've watched him when he appears to have a good car, tries to make up too many positions to quickly, and eventually winds up wrecking. But even when he's got crap still tends to wreck a lot.
Hope 2008 is better for the guy as well as the RW org.
Posted by: Jon2 | Jan 24, 2008 12:38:12 PM
I too am waiting for that certain lil hot shoe wheelin' that infmaous colors...
Posted by: Fan#5 | Jan 24, 2008 12:21:46 PM
F5,
110% agree with you.Some people up there dont need to be there...There are others that deserve to be there and arent..
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 24, 2008 12:15:33 PM
K2, I saw the same a few days ago...and just shook my head...this IS a classic example of todays owners...TWOFOLD, 1 they push these kids too fast, too soon...let them hone their chops on the "Hickory's and Concord Motorsport Park" and then move on to the touring series...Secondly, Just because your name is Petty,Earnhardt, or Wallace, doesn't mean you'll set the world of fire...
Posted by: Fan#5 | Jan 24, 2008 12:10:52 PM
Wasnt trying to be mean to Steven at all with that. There is tooooooooo much pressure on the kid and honestly dont think he can handle it all too well.
Kenny is the "peacemaker" in the family, now Rusty has Stremme so that might help a little..
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 24, 2008 11:47:22 AM
I felt really sorry for Steven when I saw that picture. Can you imagine the pressure that's on that boy. Having a father/owner who has to be in control of everything cannot be fun. Rusty might have ended his career on a high note if he had let the engineers and his crew make the decisions on his car. Instead he had to have a hand in everything. Don't know if it's just an A-type personality thing or his ego. For Steven's sake, I hope Rusty lets Harold make all the decisions for that team this year.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 24, 2008 11:22:08 AM
Thanks Barb. You know I wasn't real sure about Teresa. I mean I know it had to 2 sided, but to wipe Jr out like that is cruel. Sure Sr. built the place, but Jr. has been the main driver from the get go. You can't just remove him and say were moving on, hell his name is on the building! I do believe that woman has problems. Now on the Steven Wallace. My My My !!!!!! K2: You aught to be ashamed of yourself for posting that there picture. That poor fellow has enough to deal with. Just look who his daddy is, he does better with Kenny. Naw just kidding you. It was funny. I do feel for the kid. Its almost like he tries to hard and it makes things worse. Or maybe he is just a screw up like some of us.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 24, 2008 6:49:13 AM
I think Dale Jr said it best - "An unfortunate part of the whole process is that it had to happen. I didn't want to be there anymore, regardless of where I was going to go. It ended OK. It could have been a whole lot uglier. It's unfortunate that that's part of the process to get to where I am now." Although I still feel sorry for Jr it's time to move on. I'm glad to hear that he and Martin are still tight.
OMG, K2! That's hysterical. I hope the old man has really deep pockets. Oy! That kid is really hard on equipment.
I'm glad your daughter is okay and the guy was caught, Graceann. I'll never stop worrying about my kids no matter how old they get. It's a Mom thing.
Posted by: Barb g | Jan 23, 2008 11:47:29 PM
So sorry but please look at this...I am so sure Rusty is happy about this..
http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/testing/08daytona-testing.htm#day4
have to LMFAO on this
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jan 23, 2008 10:38:35 PM
Smoke Fan,
Thanks for the info. I'm going to find that book, sounds interesting.
Graceann,
Just read the NASCAR.com story about DEI and Jr. Like you said, it's sad. I'm not happy he's at HMS. But he sounds truly happy to be there.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 23, 2008 9:45:40 PM
Way back in January 1947, when Bill France Sr. started the National Championship Stock Car Circuit, he advertised it as "Where The Fastest That Run, Run The Fastest" Seems to me that he intended for the FASTEST drivers to qualify. This information can be found in a great book titled "NASCAR Chronicle". It traces the history of NASCAR from before it's birth to the present. As far as fines being paid into the NASCAR Foundation, that seems like a great idea. Better than people who were fined getting a portion of their money back at the end of the season. Now the money will go to various charities.
Posted by: Smoke Fan | Jan 23, 2008 9:06:12 PM
Thanks Girls, I know she has to live her own life but I still have to butt in every now again. They caught him, there was another guy outside, I guess he was driving. They had hit a Waffle House before they hit her store. She says she is ok, she stayed at work to finish her shift. Did any of you read the story of NASCAR.com about Jr.? I think its titled Fadin out. If you didn't try to read it. Let me know if you can't find it I'll post a link. I am not a big fan but I really felt sorry for the guy after reading this. It seems that they have completely wiped him out of existence at DEI. There are no remains of Jr. there. No displays of wins no nothing. That is sad.
Posted by: Graceann | Jan 23, 2008 9:05:59 PM
Blessed? Hmmm. I don't know the man personally but blessed is still a tall order. Right now I'm thankful for small doses of RW rather than the whole freakin race. DJ does a much better job and is easier to listen to. Yay for Bestwick. He's on my "Announcers I Like" list.
Having a daughter of my own I know how you both feel, Graceann and Diane.
Any sentence that includes the words RCR and ass whippin makes me smile. RC is one of my favorite people as is The Coach.
Posted by: Barb g | Jan 23, 2008 5:46:19 PM
Off subject, I copied the paragraphs below from DW's blog. Very interesting to know how great he thinks Helton is.
"Don’t know if I’ve said this before and if I haven’t forgive me because I should have, this sport is blessed to have someone in the position that Mike Helton is in and does the job that he does.
If you only know Mike as the guy who is president of NASCAR, or the guy in the booth and the garage area, then you are missing out. He is a genuine, super cool human being and he does a lot for this sport – more than you’ll ever know. It just makes me feel very comfortable knowing he is in the position he is in."
Are we really blessed?
Posted by: Diane | Jan 23, 2008 5:25:53 PM
Graceann, DJ, Deb, K2,
Thanks for your comments. You have no idea how much your informative and entertaining posts mean to me. I'm like a sponge soaking up every bit of NASCAR news I can get. Hearing your stories is almost like being there. I look forward to many more.
Barb g,
I know what you mean. The only NASCAR event I've been able to attend was the very first Cup testing at the Brickyard. I had a lot of help getting there. It was the most exciting thing for me. I can still hear the beautiful roar of those engines.
Graceann,
Sorry to hear about your daughter's problem. I can also relate to that. My daughter worked at our local bank. Two years ago she was working as a teller and a guy handed her a note saying to give him all the money in her drawer and if she tried to alert anyone he would "blow her head off". The guy was arrested the next day and she was able to identify him. I convinced her to try another occupation. Thank God she did. Maybe your daughter will too.
I am so happy about the changes at ESPN. If DJ is half as good as his Dad, he will be good enough for me. What's made me the happiest is that Bestwick is going to replace the chick and will also have other duties at ESPN. There is a "racing god" after all.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 23, 2008 3:59:00 PM
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