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April 29, 2008
So You Still Dont Like The C.O.T. ?
By Mark Young
OK People, if you watched or listened to the race on Sunday
and walked away talking about how you still don’t like the C.O.T. raise your
hand. Now put it down because nobody can
see you. That was quite possibly the
best restrictor plate race I have seen since the days of the wicker bill on the
spoiler and the blade across the roof. Sure there are still people out there who think the plates should be
gone but that isn’t going to happen so get over it. The C.O.T. might have just lost its rookie
stripe.
U WANT SOME?
I couldn’t believe my eyes on Sunday when I replayed the
race. Two cars locked up in a draft were
able to walk away, with ease mind you, away from a larger group of cars. The speed tracker on FOX showed a pair of
cars (I think it was the #11 and #20) doing 205 mph going into turn three while
the rest of the pack barely got to 195 mph. Now that’s real drafting!!
What about the incident on the backstretch between Kyle
Busch and Jamie McMurray? I have been
talking about it since Daytona and Larry Mac Reynolds talked about it then, the
side plates on that wing saved both of those cars from spinning out and
wrecking 2/3 of the field.
Paul Menard would have been on his roof when he got shoved
into the infield grass late in the race.
There were probably other things that I missed during the
race that could give credit to the C.O.T. but I think you get my point. It took years to develop this car and even
though it is an ugly duckling the darn thing works really well.
There is a lot to improve on at the Intermediate tracks like Texas, Atlanta,
and Charlotte, but I am quite sure that the Engineers with the teams will figure out how to
get these cars to race batter. In my
opinion it isn’t much worse than the parade laps we had with the twisted sister
car.
I for one have been in favor of this car for quite a while and on Sunday at Talladega. I am still saying it is the right car to race.
April 29, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
Mark,
The COT is certainly a stud when it comes to driver and car safety. As you noted, it forgives mistakes that in the past would have meant trips to the in-care center. This is a good thing. However, this "slam draft," (it has nothing to do with a bump, and has little if any resemblance to drafting)was used excessively and dangerously, IMO, during the race. The COT is so strong it empowers drivers with even marginal bump drafting skills to go at it in an aggressive manner. Someone is going to make a serious mistake and push a driver beyond his skill or his equipment into the wall. I don't think NASCAR is going to ignore this.
Posted by: Keith | Apr 29, 2008 8:16:54 AM
Thanks Mark, all year long I've said that it was not the car. Yes the competition needs to get caught up and if you look at Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon they are outside the top twelve and dropping. love em or hate em you cant say those two cant drive. The side plates have made plate racing great. At Daytona Kurt Busch went through turns 3 and 4 sideways and saved it. As to the slam drafting we saw what happened to Kyle Busch on sunday. Going into a turn he got slammed and shoved up the track in to the path of a none to happy Jammie McMurray. In turn McMurray promptly attemted to send the 18 head first into the wall. The side plate absolutley helped a lot of cars avoid disaster in that instance. One thing the new car has not changed is Jimmie Johnsons uncanny nack for forcing people below the yellow line.
Posted by: Bob | Apr 29, 2008 9:33:36 AM
I think one of the greatest attributes of the new car is that you can bend it and beat on it and it is still competitive with the other cars. It seems gone are the days of a minor ding in the sheet metal and you are done for the day.
Posted by: Michael | Apr 29, 2008 9:43:43 AM
It's a short track stud and a plate track dynamo, but those intermediates, well, it's been remarked upon. But I feel the racing at some of the 1.5s has been lacking even with the old car (Atlanta being an exception). I will bet a buffalo nickel that Indy will be the snoozer of the year, as it has been since 1994. Between Indy, Fontana, Kansas and Chicago, NASCAR has their work cut out for them if they are intent on keeping the excitement rolling after a race like Sunday's.
Posted by: Joe | Apr 29, 2008 10:26:55 AM
Joe,
Don't forget Texas, or my favorite, Pocono (Not an intermediate but a big time snoozefest!). Not blaming the car,since the old and new have had similar crappy events at these venues. I blame the track designers who, unlike the builders of old who would save a minnow pond or even, OMG, think of an original design, decided one size fits all.
Posted by: Keith | Apr 29, 2008 10:41:10 AM
Well...what can you say? What an AMAZING event! THAT was a frickin' race! THAT was a Talledega that you want first timers to see for sure! Daly was probably happy as a puppy in a hub-cap factory! I know I was.
That being said - since this was the 2nd trip to 'Dega with this car - maybe there is hope for the second rounds at Texas, 'Lanta...(although there surely will never be racing at Fontana!)...and Daytona in July will surely be as great as this 2nd 'Dega race was.
I think the reason is that the limited massage areas on the car have increased and focused the teams ability to improve on the raceability of the vehicle in relatively short periods of time.
One thing that this weekend showed me is that as long as the car will race - these boys will let it all hang out. The safety of the car enables the ease of mind and the "shit - this is fun" balls out ol' racing that we've been missing.
They'll figure out the 1.5's VERY soon - as long as NASCAR doesn't knee-jerk and make a bunch of changes. I look for Charlotte to be as good as this was.
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 1:12:31 PM
No, I don't like the COT now any more than I did before. Two cars briefly broke the draft several times in the COT race - they did the same in the BGN race with the "old" car and the roof spoiler. Kyle Busch was able to make a spectacular save with the COT - with the old car Tony Stewart did the same thing at Daytona in 2006; Michael Waltrip saved a sideways car at Talladega in 2003.
There has been nothing different about Talladega with the COT compared with the old car. This Alabama 500 saw 52 lead changes among 20 drivers - by any standard a terrific race. The old car saw 63 lead changes among 23 drivers in October 2006. What's the difference?
As far as the intermediates go, the engineers can get the cars driving better but they'll never get them racing better until they take away the gapped airdam, chop the roofline, and go back to a flush airdam and lower roofline - get back to a bodystyle that doesn't punish aggressive driving and increase aeropush as the COT manifestly continues to do.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 29, 2008 4:16:05 PM
One other thing - they want an improved draft on the intermediates, run the roof wicker at all the tracks.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 29, 2008 4:17:17 PM
Keith, since you mention Pocono, were the track designers major league screwups when Pocono was averaging 45 lead changes a race?
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 29, 2008 4:18:58 PM
Air-DAMN! Here's a save with the old car I just remembered -
Mike Skinner at the 1999 Daytona 500 a lap before Gordon's suicide squeeze pass.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 29, 2008 4:20:33 PM
Daly, admit it.
It was a kick ass show. I figured you of all people would appreciate it! lol...
The AARON'S 499 was a kick ass show.
Maybe, I'd like to see the roof dams on at the 1.5's. But, I'd like to see them after they setup for Charlotte first and see how that plays out before any changes are made. But, if it looks like Atlanta or Texas... f#ckin' change something. Please.
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 5:21:14 PM
the6and9 - "It was a kick ass show. I figured you of all people would appreciate it! lol..."
You give the simimianfan far... faaaar too much credit.
He has too much invested in bring the outlier, the crusty ole curmudgeon to change now. Talladega could have featured 150 lead changes and four abreast photo finish and he would have still found the bad things to whine about.
Now as to you specifically Daly you mentioned aing the wicker on all cars all the time.
I suggest you take the council of someone who was far more knowledgeable than either you or I:
Here's Dale Sr. on the wicker and how it affected performance when it was introduced for the Daytona 500 he won:
"It was very frustrating," nobody could stay in front. It was a chess game of getting there and staying there."
Keith - Why slam (pardon the pun) the new car over slam drafting?
Dale Jr complained about the practice prior to the 2005 event at Talladega: "It's more like slam drafting," he said. "At Talladega we hit each other hard. It feels like being hit by a sledgehammer."
"The car we're taking this weekend had to have a whole new rear clip put on it, because it was so banged up from the last plate race," he said. "But it's a part of it. Some guys don't like it, but I think it's fun.
"If you do it right, it can be a big advantage, but if you don't ... it isn't pretty."
Put the blame where it lays, on drivers that become over aggressive, not on the inanimate object.
Posted by: marc | Apr 29, 2008 5:43:07 PM
marc, the Daytona 500 Earnhardt Sr. won was in 1998, two years before the wicker was introduced. As for the racing becoming a big chess game with that package, so what? If it vastly increases lead changes (and there is more than enough realworld evidence that it does), then it's worth it.
"It was very frustrating." Yes, it was, but that's the nature of competition.
BTW, where have I said this past Alabama 500 wasn't a great race? My point is we're giving the COT far too much credit for the superb competition in that race.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 29, 2008 6:37:38 PM
aw, hell - I'm just messin' with you, Daly! You never said that. I was just expecting some plate praise from you since this has been the best plate race since Bobby Sr had to take oxygen before being able waddle to victory lane and talk about The Intimidator's ass.
But, I guess you did stay true to the topic. Dammit!
I also think it's pretty bad ass that you still get to watch Winston Cup and Grand National races at events like the Alabama 500, the Southern 500, the World 600, and of course the Firecracker 400! I want your TV, dude! (j/k)
lol - marc...you give my vocabulary far too much credit, as I have no idea WTF "simimianfan" means! I like it's derogatory undertones, though.
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 7:19:38 PM
Mike Daly,
Yes, it was never designed for stock cars and every freaking lead change is due to pitting. There is no race in that track!
Posted by: Keith | Apr 29, 2008 7:48:30 PM
marc,
No slam (pun accepted) on the new car. I like it. I think it may be too strong in certain areas, like the nose, and it could get someone in trouble or hurt.
Posted by: Keith | Apr 29, 2008 7:52:23 PM
Chief, c'mon...the only thing that's gonna get somebody hurt is Kevin Lepage!
All I know is that if it gives these guys the confidence to put on the show they did Sunday...then I f ckin' love it.
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 8:11:52 PM
6&9,
Giving them the confidence doesn't necessarily equate with them having the skills to do it. It's always like that with restrictor plate racing. A small mistake is the only one you get. But, now, how confident are you when it's an over eager rookie pushing you in too far and deep because the car lets him? I like the car, but I think the slam drafting is going to go too far.
Posted by: Keith | Apr 29, 2008 8:33:02 PM
True.
Ironic, though that the only ones gettin' too rough were the vets, huh?
Jr, McMurray, Johnson...all had idiot moments.
Impressed by the runs of Ragan, Hornish, and Montoya.
I'm sure everybody had stupid moments, but the 2 bigger wrecks were caused by guys that should have known better.
Which may prove your point.
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 8:48:07 PM
And also - if it's a matter of sheetmetal...as a fan, I don't care.
As a matter of safety, we've seen some of the most wicked hits ever so far this year. I think it would take a SAM to actually hurt somebody in this stock tank race car thingy.
Don't want to find out...but...just sayin'...
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 8:51:27 PM
Mike Daly,
Do us a favor and find another site to whine on, that was a great race, the car is fine, it will be better when they figure it out.
Your comments make my IQ lower.
Posted by: another joe | Apr 29, 2008 10:04:49 PM
6and9 makes good points about surprise finishes. Montoya and Ragan for sure but nobody mentioned Menard running up front all day even after Johnson punted him. What about Stremme? Dude deserves to be in a quality ride.
Daly isn't happy unless the cars look like bees swarming on a spilled snow cone at the Fair!!
That was a great race period!!
Posted by: Mark Young | Apr 29, 2008 10:16:15 PM
In my opinion the "Slam Drafting" will be addressed by the Brainwizards in Daytona Beach shortly...I have grown accustom to CON, but it REALLY lacks something on the 1.5'rs...there was some talk of extendeding the splitter out further but I think they have changed their mind (not a typo) I am impressed with the "Tuner" wing it really makes the car easier to collect in an incident...I love the safty aspect of it but question...could have been implemented into a more stock configuration. IF I where to change anything it would be to redesign access to "grill" area on the splitter...an easy fix MOVE two braces!
GREAT to see your O.k Chief, got a lil worried watchin' the news
Posted by: Fan #5 | Apr 29, 2008 10:46:12 PM
Seeing that 40 car run the way it did definately made you wonder.
Had that been Dario, I can't help but think that it would have been running closer to the back. Who knows?
If David has that ride for the remainder of Franchitti's time off and can back up that run for the next few weeks - then, yes you're right. He deserves a ride. His past performance in that car, however, is deserving of his current situation.
I do think that people will soon (or already are starting to) begin to see the talent behind the wheel of that 42 car.
And I forgot about Menard - He was up front most of the day...and by far the best of the DEI stable.
That's what I love about 'Dega!
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 11:16:20 PM
Oh yeah,
and if ya'll didn't have your jaws hangin' open in awe of the moves the 18 was makin'...go get your pulse checked!
He's an asshole, but damn!...the boy can DRIVE!
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 29, 2008 11:21:55 PM
The 6and9 wrote:
Ironic, though that the only ones gettin' too rough were the vets, huh?
Jr, McMurray, Johnson...all had idiot moments. Impressed by the runs of Ragan, Hornish, and Montoya. I'm sure everybody had stupid moments, but the 2 bigger wrecks were caused by guys that should have known better.
Yeah, Stewart and Earnhardt caused those two big wrecks at the end...the blinders seems to prevent so many people from seeing that.
Posted by: Another Cheryl | Apr 30, 2008 10:39:57 AM
Regarding the 40 car: Stremme did a fine job, and I was a bit surprised when they announced that Schrader would run the car at Richmond, and that discussions have been had with Marlin about running Darlington. I always liked Stremme and still think he has a future in Cup, but I can also see business reasons why Ganassi let him go to make room for Franchitti.
But why Schrader? The guy's a racing hero, but wouldn't you rather have the young and hungry Stremme in there, especially after his work at Talladega?
Posted by: Doug in CA | Apr 30, 2008 10:56:37 AM
Not certain, but I believe Stremme is out because of the contract he is under with Penske. And with Hornish and Busch to close for comfort of being out of the top 35 Rodger may not want to help the competition.
Posted by: Bob | Apr 30, 2008 11:42:37 AM
I was at the race and it was a very exiting racing. The slam drafting was great. On Monday Elliott Sadler said it was best drafting ever.
What was Michael Waltrip up to on the start/finish line?
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Apr 30, 2008 6:19:24 PM
Since when does Stremme drive for Penske?
Posted by: the6and9 | Apr 30, 2008 6:25:23 PM
I forgot. At a meet and great with Dale Jr. on Sunday He said he goes to his bar Whisky River on Tuesday nights.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Apr 30, 2008 6:41:12 PM
the6and9, thanks.
anotherjoe, I did note it was a great race. But we give the COT too much credit for it; it has done nothing to warrant the praise it gets. As for your IQ, it lowered for reasons unrelated to reading my responses.
Keith, huh? You didn't make any sense there.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Apr 30, 2008 7:02:29 PM
the6and9 - Penske signed Stremme as a test driver a week or 2 ago. They gave him permission to drive the 40 at Dega but that's all. Roger probably doesn't want David to help the 40 get back into the top 35.
Posted by: Diane | Apr 30, 2008 7:10:03 PM
Ooohhh.
I guess it makes sense, then.
Now. The question is...what will Kenny do in decent equipment? Now, it's not the best - but it's a damned site better than what he's been driving for the past few years.
Can Kenny prove that it's the man in the machine that makes the machine good?
Or will he just let us fans know what we have all grudgingly suspected for a while? That he's done for.
The fan in me wants to see him run good.
Damned good.
Posted by: the6and9 | May 1, 2008 12:43:42 AM
Kenny is going nowhere as a driver.
Posted by: Mike Daly | May 3, 2008 12:22:56 AM
I'd have to agree, Daly. He gets the best equipment he's been in, and the best team he's run with in 8 years...and can't make the show.
Time to hang 'em up, I'd say.
Posted by: the6and9 | May 3, 2008 1:22:28 AM
Mike Daly,
Not sure what didn't make sense to you, but then again I stopped caring about your opinions long ago.
Posted by: Keith | May 3, 2008 9:39:05 AM
Keith, you cared enough to respond, didn't you?
Here's what didn't make sense - the lead changes WERE BY ON-TRACK PASSING, yet you propagate the myth that they were from pitstops.
Posted by: Mike Daly | May 7, 2008 2:22:32 PM
So NASCAR is going to tell teams to stop "crabbing" their cars. NASCAR was wrong about stopping body-twisting with their "Claw" supertemplate and this one-size-fits-all COT?
Trouble is, this is typical of the sanctioning body now - rules that don't make sense and enforcement that makes even less sense.
Posted by: Mike Daly | May 18, 2008 3:56:13 PM
