only 71 days until the 500!

Hornish, Gilliland, and Ragan don't have cup rides as of now. Add Hornish to the list of great open wheel drivers that can't hack it in oval racing.

Lower down force aero rules will make the 3rd year in a row with big rule changes. I suspect this one will be around for awhile

The owners union(RTA) hasn't been able to get a deal done. They want less cars, the purse distributed more evenly and guaranteed starting spots they can sell. Don't think a starting spot is worth much tho, the sponsorship is most important factor. I do think it's BS the owners only get 25% of the TV money while Nascar gets 10% with tracks getting 65%.

12/12/2015 9:57:53 AM

LET'S TURN LEFT!!!

12/12/2015 11:46:45 AM

They could cut the field down to 40 and nothing of value would be lost, but not a fan of guaranteed starting spots. That way lies scrubs buying their spots in the field even worse.

Will be interested to see how public interest in the series next year is changed by Gordon's retirement. Stewart's last year as well although it appears he retired a couple years ago.

12/13/2015 9:33:30 AM

days until 500 so Jr has to drive on football fields instead of race tracks

http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2016-01-02/taxslayer-bowl-dale-earnhardt-jr-drives-field-coin-toss

1/3/2016 8:21:14 AM

only



days to the 500

Quote :

"NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France announced today the implementation of a playoff system in both the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. NASCAR XFINITY Series: The Richmond format will consist of two 35-lap heat races with a 15-minute break between the events. Caution laps will count in each heat. There will be a 20-minute break before the main event, which will be a 140-lap race. Last year, both Xfinity races at Richmond were 250 laps in length. The highest finishing driver eligible for the Dash 4 Cash will receive a $100,000 bonus. The Bristol format will feature two 50-lap heat races with a brief break in between and a brief break before the 200-lap main event. Both Bristol races last year were scheduled for 300 laps. The Dover format will feature two 40-lap heat races on the 1-mile oval with a brief break between races and before the main event. The feature will be 120 laps. Last year's races there were 200 laps each. The Indianapolis format will feature two 20-lap heat races on the 2.5-mile oval with a brief break in between races and then before the main event, which will be 60 laps. Last year's race was 100 laps NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races now will feature a Caution Clock, which will be triggered at the start of each green-flag run. When the green flag is displayed, 20 minutes will be placed on the clock. If/when the clock expires, a caution will be thrown."

people who dont like change and wish there were only 5 cars on the lead lap like the good ol days are not going to like this...

[Edited on January 19, 2016 at 5:43 PM. Reason : d]

1/19/2016 5:42:56 PM

The chases and the caution clock are stupid as hell. The heat races, well we'll have to see how those play out.

1/19/2016 5:48:58 PM

it's all a bunch of gimmicky bullshit that isn't going to make the racing better. just manufactured drama for tv.

but i do prefer the competition caution clock over the phantom debris system they have used for the past several years.

1/19/2016 6:05:12 PM

Transparency is good. The caution clock is still dumb. I've always liked heat races, but it'll certainly make more work for shop crews during the week.

1/19/2016 7:43:19 PM

i like how the 14 car has basically put in his 2 week notice, told everyone at the office the boss sucks then threw eggs at his house

Quote :

"Stewart would like Brian France to be more hands on as a CEO: "You never see Brian France," Stewart said. "He shows up at the drivers' meeting and you never see him after that. But I picked up what Brian was putting down. And he's right's it's their series and they've got to make the decisions. Just because it's my idea doesn't mean it's the right idea. I would like to think in the 37 years I've been in racing that I've learned a thing or two." (1-22-2016)"

[Edited on January 24, 2016 at 11:10 AM. Reason : g]

1/24/2016 11:05:08 AM

days til the 500!

the charter system deal is signed, press conference today. 40 car field with 36 guaranteed spots that can be sold. dont think you could get much for them tho. guess we'll see

stewart might be back from injury in may. would be cool if a JRM driver gets to fill in

2/9/2016 7:15:11 AM

On the road to ride buyers with no talent buying their spots in the field.

2/9/2016 8:06:21 PM

^that's been going on way before this. JWT and Menard for example

you will still lose a crap load of money even with a charter if you dont have a sponsor so i dont think this is a big deal. this is prob just an intermediate step that will last for 9 years when the current TV contract expires. the owners will get a bigger piece of the pie next go round for sure

2/11/2016 7:24:38 AM

Quote :

" you will still lose a crap load of money even with a charter if you dont have a sponsor so i dont think this is a big deal."

Which is why they'll just skip the sponsor-gathering phase and go find a ride buyer. It's what happened in F1 and Indycar when they franchised the field/there were more spots than cars. And the guy doesn't even have to be good, he's guaranteed to start. Forget Paul Menard, think more Kevin Conway with his penis enlargement sponsor.

[Edited on February 11, 2016 at 5:47 PM. Reason : /]

2/11/2016 5:36:16 PM

Chase elliott on pole for 2016 Daytona 500!

2/14/2016 7:35:27 PM

^nice

what's his nickname going to be? awesome chase? little daddy?

Ty Dillon expected to run the 14 starting at Hotlanta.

2/15/2016 11:16:21 AM

1st Twin about to start.

Only 44 cars showed up, which makes these races kind of pointless.

[Edited on February 18, 2016 at 7:22 PM. Reason : /]

2/18/2016 7:22:29 PM

^how so?

Also, dale jr wins first duel. Of note:

Blaney finished 3rd. Chase Elliott 6th.

2/18/2016 8:31:49 PM

because starting position doesn't matter at plate tracks. the twin 125s were cool because you got to watch guys race for a chance to race in one of motorsports' biggest races.

2/20/2016 7:40:08 PM

There's still 4 teams racing for a spot though. No different than the past 2 decades really

2/20/2016 7:47:47 PM

no, was so much better up until 10 years ago, the back half of the field regulars sweating as Phil Barkdoll had a shot at making the field, it's racing in a pure form.

I get they want to guarantee the stars make the event, but they could do that by only guaranteeing say the top 30 are making the field. All it does is disincentivize people from giving it a shot. What of value is lost from 31 thru 36 from last year being forced to qualify? And if you're a star or a guy in a top car in 31st place, you should be fired anyway.

There's two quirky events in auto racing I've loved that still carry on today but are just nowhere as close to good as they used to be: Indy 500 Bump Day and the Daytona 500 Twins.

Why is Michael Waltrip in the field, and he was guaranteed a spot too.

[Edited on February 21, 2016 at 1:19 PM. Reason : /]

2/21/2016 1:05:47 PM

green flag at 1:33

Elliott pulls out to a sure-to-be brief lead

2/21/2016 1:34:15 PM

16 laps in. Junior leading. Only items of consequence is Carl Edwards' engine is stalling in and out, and Austin Dillon and Robert Richardson Jr. have lost the draft.

2/21/2016 1:47:12 PM

Chase Elliott spun by Edwards, hit the frontstretch infield, splitter dug in, and he's done to finish in 40th.

2/21/2016 1:49:28 PM

thanks for the updates

2/21/2016 2:22:45 PM

These commercials are the worst. The cars are moving ads...and I thought they started showing the races in a corner window during breaks a few years back.

2/21/2016 3:57:32 PM

Great last lap move there from Hamlin. Glad it didn't go all crashfest.

2/21/2016 4:45:11 PM

Wow what a finish.

2/21/2016 4:46:26 PM

^^ yep, good race as far as plate races go

2/21/2016 5:55:19 PM

kenseth almost took him, his teammate, and half the field out

2/21/2016 6:44:04 PM

turn 4 was a mother f'er today, ha. Cars slipping, sliding and spinning all over the place. Junior and Chase both got bit by the air. Harvick almost got bit the lap before Chase. Brian Vickers spun and took out a few cars. Crazy stuff.

2/21/2016 7:56:28 PM

watched qualifying at Hotlanta. track has no grip, everyone loose as crap. surprised no one got into the fence. the winner Sunday is going to earn it

Quote :

"This Saturday’s Monster Energy Supercross at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will feature the first-ever crossover event between Supercross and NASCAR as Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Ty Dillon and Ricky Stenhouse will fight it out to determine who is the fastest NASCAR driver on two wheels. Danica Patrick and Jimmie Johnson will also be involved in the event. The four drivers will compete in the first ever Monster Energy Supercross Holeshot Challenge, which will take place in the intermission ahead of the 450SX Last Chance Qualifier. Danica Patrick will hold up the 30-second board ahead of the event then, once the track is clear and the riders are ready, Jimmie Johnson will drop the start gate and Biffle, Bowyer, Dillon and Stenhouse will roar off into the first turn. Whoever crosses the holeshot line first will be crowned champion of the first ever Monster Energy Supercross Holeshot Challenge"

why the hell is jimmie not racing? i bet Mr H wont let him

[Edited on February 27, 2016 at 6:22 AM. Reason : u]

2/27/2016 6:15:26 AM

only a holeshot? they should make them do a full lap.

2/27/2016 8:38:14 AM

Yeah, really, wtf is that?

Should put Danica in a bikini.

2/27/2016 2:02:32 PM

lol Bowyer

2/27/2016 8:52:39 PM

https://youtu.be/Nu53fVBeUSY

biffle had the win but he hit the brakes like a pussy. bowyer just got some more fans

2/28/2016 6:47:05 AM

awesome race today. Reminded me of the good ole days with cars slipping and sliding and guys having to really be on the wheel.

of note:

Jimmie Johnson wins. Dale Jr finishes 2nd. Chase Elliott finished 8th

2/28/2016 5:59:37 PM

I'd be curious as to what fans overall impression of today's race was. It certainly looked a little like racing of yesteryear with guys slipping around and long green runs. Did the masses enjoy today more or was it too boring and/or not enough wrecks? I'm personally all for more races like today.

2/28/2016 7:25:27 PM

I watched through the first round of pit stops and then I went outside and washed my truck. Should've recorded it, I guess. Did they throw competition "debris" cautions or just let them go?

2/28/2016 7:51:13 PM

hotlanta was a good race. i hope it was due to the new aero rules and not just an old ass racing surface. we should find out soon.

i am cynical enough to think we didnt see any BS debris cautions like normal so fans will bitch less when they bring the caution clock to cup soon

2/28/2016 7:52:13 PM

^if they bring the caution clock to cup I will stop watching.

I've seen some folks still bitching that it was boring but the majority seemed to have enjoyed it. There are gonna be people that hate on it no matter what happens...like anything in life.

2/29/2016 6:26:51 AM

just when you think France can't get any dumber he proves you wrong and endorses Trump

http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/14873067/trucks-series-sponsor-objects-nascar-chairman-brian-france-supporting-presidential-candidate-donald-trump

Quote :

"Joining Trump on stage was NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bill Elliot and three current drivers -- Elliott's son, Chase, Ryan Newman and David Ragan. "This is a great man," Chase Elliott said. "I think he's a guy who can do some great things for us.""

[Edited on March 1, 2016 at 5:51 AM. Reason : d]

3/1/2016 5:46:11 AM

Who gives a shit? Endorsements are stupid and pointless anyway. Hillary or Trump, both fucking suck beyond belief.

3/1/2016 7:37:33 AM

^people who have tens of millions of dollars to spend on marketing. There is no title sponsor for cup next year yet

3/1/2016 9:59:17 AM

Brian is balls deep hoping for a Trump Cup

3/1/2016 11:00:11 AM

Quote :

"if they bring the caution clock to cup I will stop watching."

I gotta wonder about anyone who actually makes it a point to watch top-tier NASCAR events nowadays. I mean, I will turn on the race if I'm not doing anything, but it's usually just something to lull me into a Sunday afternoon nap. I don't even bother setting the DVR anymore.

I can't imagine putting up with phantom debris cautions, but letting the caution clock be the thing that makes me stop watching. The caution clock would be an improvement. Ideally, they would just let them go, but at least with a caution clock they are upfront and honest about what they're doing and it's on a timer instead of just being up to somebody up in the race control booth.

3/1/2016 8:47:55 PM

^watch NHRA its a lot better, and events are a lot fan friendlier. 4 wide at Charlotte is pretty awesome.

3/3/2016 12:48:18 AM

I have no interest in drag racing at all. In an hour of NHRA coverage, there's like, what, 30 seconds of actual cars racing?

3/3/2016 5:07:53 PM

Four-wide drag racing is incredibly stupid, as it completely destroys the dynamics of staging.

3/3/2016 5:41:33 PM

I don't watch drag racing just because I don't see the point of blowing your engine after 5 seconds, but I've heard from people that watch it in Charlotte it's awesome to watch live and you're right next to the cars and mechanics working in the garage area.

3/5/2016 9:29:45 PM

Vegas was purdy good race, got to LOL at little douche for losing lead in last few laps. the sand storm must have sucked in person but was good TV

3/7/2016 5:46:42 PM