only 38 days until the 500!


2015 rules:

Quote :

"The biggest change is the testing policy. Now NASCAR teams will only be allowed to participate in NASCAR and Goodyear tests. In other major moves for 2015, NASCAR will use rain tires on road courses for the Sprint Cup Series, as it has done for Nationwide and trucks for several years. As far as the new aerodynamic rules (except for Daytona and Talladega), they include reduced horsepower from about 850 to 725. NASCAR will put a tapered spacer — much like a restrictor plate except thicker with the holes tapering — on the cars, much like is done on the Nationwide and trucks. They will do that in combination of having lower rear differential gear ratios to keep the cars at 9,000 RPM (they have been at 9,300-9,400 RPM). The rear spoiler will be cut from 7.25 inches tall to six inches. The radiator pan will be reduced from 43 inches to 38 inches. And teams will have the option of using a driver adjustable track bar."

Crew Chief Changes for 2015: Many crew chief changes for the 2015 season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the list:

#1-Jamie McMurray: Matt McCall takes over for Keith Rodden who left to head back to Hendrick Motorsports and the #5 team of Kasey Kahne. McCall comes over to CGR from Richard Childress Racing where he was the race engineer for the #31 Chevy of Ryan Newman.
#5-Kasey Kahne: Keith Rodden returns to Hendrick Motorsports after spending a year as Jamie McMurray's crew chief on the #1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevy. Rodden was a lead engineer with the #5 HMS team for a couple of years before leaving HMS for CGR in 2014. Former long time Kahne crew chief Kenny Francis was promoted to Vehicle Technical Director at HMS.
#6-Trevor Bayne: former #99 RFR crew chief, Bob Osborne will be the crew chief for Bayne. Longtime Roush Fenway Racing crew chief Jimmy Fennig will not be the crew chief as he retired from the road and will work in RFR's R&D dept. #10-Danica Patrick: Daniel Knost switched crew chief spots with Tony Gibson in October. Gibson moved over to be the crew chief for Kurt Busch on the #41 Chevy.
#11-Denny Hamlin: Dave Rogers comes over from Kyle Busch's #18 Joe Gibbs Racing team, replacing Darian Grubb, who moves to JGR's new 4th team, the #19 JGR team of Carl Edwards.
#18-Kyle Busch: Adam Stevens moves up from JGR's Nationwide Series team to take over for Dave Rogers, who heads to Denny Hamlin;'s #11 JGR team.
#19-Carl Edwards: Darian Grubb moves over from Denny Hamlin's #11 JGR team as Edwards crew chief on the new JGR team in 2015.
#21-Ryan Blaney (part-time team): Jeremy Bullins comes over from Team Penske's Xfinity Series #22 team to replace Donnie Wingo, who is now the crew chief of the #38 FRM team.
#27-Paul Menard: Justin Alexander took over for Slugger Labbe after Charlotte in October 2014. Labbe was promoted at RCR
#34-David Ragan: TBA - late in the season Jay Guy moved over to Front Row Motorsports #38 team of David Gilliland after crew chief Frank Kerr parted ways with FRM. Guy has since left FRM, no word on the #34 crew chief.
#36-Reed Sorenson: no word who will replace crew chief Todd Parrott, who left Tommy Baldwin Racing for a job at Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series program. Also, no official word if Sorenson will return as driver in 2015. Supposedly this team with partner with Jay Robinson Racing in 2015.
#38-David Gilliland: Donnie Wingo was named the crew chief for 2015. Jay Guy, who moved over from FRM's #34 team of David Ragan late in the 2014 season after #38 crew chief Frank Kerr parted ways with FRM, has left for the Xfinity Series #24 team in 2015.
#41-Kurt Busch: Tony Gibson switched crew chief spots with Daniel Knost in October. Knost moved over to be the crew chief for Danica Patrick on the #10 Chevy.
#78-Martin Truex Jr.: Cole Pearn promoted from lead race engineer to crew chief and takes over for Todd Berrier who took a management role at Joe Gibbs Racing.
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Greg Ives takes over for Steve Letarte after leading Chase Elliott to the 2014 Nationwide Series championship. Letarte leaves the crew chief ranks and moves into the NBC booth to cover the Sprint Cup Series races in 2015.

1/14/2015 1:09:10 PM

Kenny Francis will be Chase Elliott's crew chief in the 5 Sprint Cup races that Chase will run in 2015.

Also, lots of people expect Kyle Busch to be very good with these new rules seeing as how hes dominated the Nationwide Series and these new rules will make the cars less powerful and more dependent on momentum.

[Edited on January 14, 2015 at 1:55 PM. Reason : werd]

1/14/2015 1:54:30 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/kurt-busch-testifies-his-ex-girlfriend-is-a-trained-assassin-011719854.html

Quote :

"'Everybody on the outside can tell me I'm crazy, but I lived on the inside and saw it firsthand,'' Kurt Busch said when his attorney, Rusty Hardin, questioned why he still believed Patricia Driscoll is a hired killer."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

1/14/2015 11:33:32 PM

The NASCAR Version Of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”

http://youtu.be/GyT96ItGMp4

they both nuts i suspect

1/15/2015 6:32:48 AM

both of the Busch's are nutcases...but theres not a doubt in my mind that this woman is insane. Her and her lawyer did not deny the assassin thing in court I heard, haha.

1/15/2015 7:56:29 AM

Waiting for NASCAR or Stewart-Haas to have a press conference saying "Kurt is going to take some time off."

1/15/2015 8:34:47 AM

Wouldn't be surprised if you saw Chase Elliott running for SHR next year in the 9 or 94 replacing Kurt. SHR is practically a 2nd HMS team, haha.

1/15/2015 8:41:10 AM

This has all the makings of a movie based on the events of their relationship.

It should be produced by Judd Apatow. He could, for the first time, put out a nonfictional movie without having to do anything different from his other movies.

1/15/2015 3:41:13 PM

2015 chili bowl A main

http://youtu.be/tFQHj2D6SRs

1/18/2015 2:16:39 PM

Gordon will be retiring as a full-time driver after this season. If NASCAR hadn't changed to the chase, he would be racing for his 8th championship this year.

1/22/2015 11:21:49 AM

He needs to bring back the mustache and mullet.

1/22/2015 11:27:59 AM

Saw on the news where the Nascar Hall of Fame is a gigantic money pit, and two banks are going to have to just write off the debt because they can't even come close to breaking even annually. I'm not a nascar fan, but I thought it would do better than that.

1/22/2015 11:35:03 AM

Big daddy needs to win 13 races this year to tie Pearson.

1/22/2015 11:53:17 AM

Opens up chase Elliott's ride in 2016

1/22/2015 2:57:49 PM

Can't say I was ever a Gordon fan but like with Earnhardt (Sr.) I respect him immensely.

Think I shook his hand once, not sure. I was volunteering for a race team at the 2002 24 Hours of Daytona and a few hours into the race I stand at the back of our garage, and I see a guy in shades and street clothes walking toward me that looks just like Gordon talking to someone. I was trying to think of something witty in my 2 seconds but thankfully I didn't to save myself future embarrassment, and just stuck out my hand and shook his and nodded my head in respect.

[Edited on January 22, 2015 at 3:54 PM. Reason : /]

1/22/2015 3:52:54 PM

Quote :

"Saw on the news where the Nascar Hall of Fame is a gigantic money pit, and two banks are going to have to just write off the debt because they can't even come close to breaking even annually. I'm not a nascar fan, but I thought it would do better than that."

There's 3 weekends a year where a lot of racefans are in town. Outside of that you're dependent on off-weekend tourism and locals.

But hey, NASCAR found a city that could pay them money to build it. Think my sister profited off it too, she designed the sidewalks for the facility.

[Edited on January 22, 2015 at 3:57 PM. Reason : .]

1/22/2015 3:53:55 PM

congrats to Larson and Jamie Mac for the Rolex 24 win

1/25/2015 3:26:43 PM

Quote :

"Chase Elliott, who became the youngest national series champion in NASCAR history last season, will join Hendrick Motorsports as a full-time Sprint Cup driver beginning in 2016. Elliott's #24 Chevy team will be led by crew chief Alan Gustafson Elliott will be entered in 2015 Cup events March 29 at Martinsville Speedway, April 25 at Richmond International Raceway, May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, July 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway."

#24

i was hoping they would retire that number for awhile

1/29/2015 12:38:41 PM

Why does it have to be the 24?

1/29/2015 12:44:02 PM

I don't get it either. The 24 is and will forever be linked to Gordon. Its not like the Dillon's hopping back in the 3 damn near 15 years since it was last raced. Elliott will be jumping in the 24 the next race after Gordon leaves it. I don't like it one bit. I really wish they could work something out with RPM to get Chase the 9, but that doesn't sound like its gonna happen.

Only thing I can think of is that the 24 is a marketing tool for Hendrick. however, with the Elliott name and fanbase...don't really think you have to market him.

However, as far as this year goes...glad hes racing at nearby tracks. Will try and plan on going to Martinsville and Charlotte atleast. Maybe throw Darlington in there as well.

[Edited on January 29, 2015 at 1:17 PM. Reason : sdf]

1/29/2015 1:14:00 PM

here are your sprint unlimited drivers. i believe they called it "unlimited" cause that how they chose the lineup


#18-Kyle Busch (2014 pole winner)
" #3-Austin Dillon (2014 pole winner)
" #24-Jeff Gordon (2014 pole winner)
" #38-David Gilliland (2014 pole winner)
" #11-Denny Hamlin (2014 pole winner)
" #4-Kevin Harvick (2014 pole winner)
" #48-Jimmie Johnson (2014 pole winner)
" #20-Matt Kenseth (2014 pole winner)
" #2-Brad Keselowski (2014 pole winner)
" #42-Kyle Larson (2014 pole winner)
" #22-Joey Logano (2014 pole winner)
" #1-Jamie McMurray (2014 pole winner)
" #29?/#33?-Brian Scott (2014 pole winner)(may not have a ride for the event)
" #14-Tony Stewart (2014 pole winner)
" #55-Brian Vickers* (2014 pole winner)(will not run due to illness)
" #41-Kurt Busch (former Unlimited winner)
" #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (former Unlimited winner)
" #19-Carl Edwards (former D500 pole winner)
" #10-Danica Patrick (former D500 pole winner)
" #16-Greg Biffle (former D500 pole winner)
" #78-Martin Truex Jr. (former D500 pole winner)
" #31-Ryan Newman (2014 Chase driver)
" #47-AJ Allmendinger (2014 Chase driver)(team has decided not to run the event)
" #5-Kasey Kahne (2014 Chase driver)
" #43-Aric Almirola (2014 Chase driver)

2/4/2015 7:29:38 PM

Quote :

"congrats to Larson and Jamie Mac for the Rolex 24 win"

and Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon

2/4/2015 8:12:14 PM

Qualifying will consist of three rounds with the first round divided into two groups based on a random draw. Vehicles drawing an odd number will be in the first group with even numbers in the second group.

Setting The Daytona 500 Grid:
* The two fastest qualifiers set starting positions one and two.
* The highest 15 finishers in each Duel race - excluding the front row - will earn spots in the Daytona 500, filling positions 3-32.
* Based on their finishing position in the first Duel race, the top 15 line up on the inside row (odd-number starting positions).
* Based on their finishing position in the second Duel race, the top 15 will line up on the outside row (even-number starting positions).
* Positions 33-36 go to the four fastest cars from qualifying that have not already earned a spot.
* Positions 37-42 are provisional positions and go to the highest six cars in previous season owner points that have not already qualified via the Duel or Coors Light Pole qualifying.
* The 43rd starting position will be assigned to any car owner who has the most recent eligible past Sprint Cup champion who did not make the field by any other method, providing the driver competed in the previous Sprint Cup season. If the 43rd spot remains unused it will be assigned to the next highest car in previous season owner points not already locked into the field.

Coverage of Qualifying for the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 1:30pm/et.
Television (TV): FOX, 1:30pm

2/15/2015 8:37:07 AM

DayLOLna

haha Clint Bowyer telling it like it is and calling out NASCAR for the chucklefucks they are

[Edited on February 15, 2015 at 1:53 PM. Reason : dfsa]

2/15/2015 1:39:08 PM

bunch of cars sitting on pit road. so excite.

2/15/2015 2:05:39 PM

Man Bowyer was pissed and I don't blame him, this qualifying style won't work for the 500

2/15/2015 2:48:40 PM

it works perfectly. it gets folks fired up and causes "drama", which is all NASCAR cares about.

2/15/2015 2:59:10 PM

bowyer had good reason to be pissed but should have been more directed at the dumbass that was blocking for a better spot in the duels thursday

would not be surprised if he gets a $50k fine for rough talking or getting out of car before the amber lamps arrived

2/15/2015 3:09:13 PM

Lol at reed Sorensen comparing this to a race.

2/15/2015 6:31:00 PM

Quote :

"Man Bowyer was pissed and I don't blame him, this qualifying style won't work for the 500"

It doesn't work for restrictor plate tracks.

2/16/2015 2:07:32 PM

Nascar won't fine anyone. It brings attention and that's all Brian France cares about.

Also, the drivers should keep their shit parked on pit road if nascar makes them do this crap again and waste tv time and make them go by practice speeds.

2/16/2015 3:28:00 PM

i thought it was WAY more exciting than watching single car runs for 3 hours. When the final group was coming for the stripe and i couldn't tell if they were going to make it until the last second great TV

IMO the problem was the big dummy that was blocking when they were told many times not to block

2/16/2015 6:12:36 PM

It would've been cool to give them something like a single 20 or 30 minute session to go out and try to turn their best lap, but maybe they would've just waited until the very last second anyway.

2/16/2015 6:42:41 PM

^i believe it is 15 mins for a non plate track but they cut it 5 mins because of the all the no you go first shenanigans

[Edited on February 16, 2015 at 8:38 PM. Reason : g]

2/16/2015 8:35:30 PM

what about a rule that says they have to take the green within the first 2 minutes of a 15 minute session?

2/16/2015 8:45:18 PM

^they will tweak it somehow but i doubt we will see single car runs again

2/17/2015 6:31:43 AM

I only watch to make fun of NASCAR now anyway. I loved the way qualifying went. Absolutely hilarious.

2/17/2015 6:39:52 AM

4.7 million people watched qualifying. up 33% from last year.

cant wait for the duels Thursday night

2/17/2015 11:48:35 AM

Danica crashed a bunch of cars in practice

also:

Quote :

" After seeing Daytona 500 group qualifying turn into a debacle on Sunday, NASCAR has made format tweaks for the upcoming Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series qualifying sessions at Daytona International Speedway. The field will be divided in to four groups (instead of two) for the first round and will have just two-and-a-half minutes (instead of five) for each round. That should force cars to leave pit road sooner instead of playing a game of chicken with the clock. In addition, NASCAR will stage the cars on pit road in a single-file line before the clock starts. When the cars pull out of line, they must leave pit road (instead of waiting at the end of pit road in a cluster, as the Sprint Cup Series drivers did). If there's any gamesmanship, their times could be disallowed. "

2/18/2015 5:20:56 PM

The obvious solution is to do qualifying races at the plate tracks.

2/18/2015 6:34:43 PM

so how do you qualify for the qualifying races?

2/18/2015 6:40:10 PM

they should find a way to incorporate a big game of musical chairs on pit road

(to country music of course)

2/18/2015 6:47:35 PM

Quote :

"The obvious solution is to do qualifying races at the plate tracks."

those are tonight at 7pm!

2/19/2015 7:53:59 AM

bring back the sprint to their cars a la 1960s lemans

2/19/2015 11:39:03 AM

shouldn't be fucking with GWC in a heat race, imo. just let them finish under caution.

2/19/2015 10:27:33 PM

Ol' Danica she's always pissed about something. Good job Denny

2/19/2015 10:55:54 PM

https://news.ncsu.edu/2015/02/on-the-rhodes-again/

found us a new driver ladies and gents.

2/20/2015 1:00:31 AM

^^ If I were her, I would've punched him in the mouth the second he said "honey."

2/20/2015 5:21:35 AM

danica's double judy chops to the chest were comedy gold

2/20/2015 7:59:21 AM

this narwhal song has got to go

2/20/2015 3:32:20 PM