Friday night's Truck race and Saturday's Nationwide race at O'Reilly Raceway Park was great. Not so much for the Sprint Cup race Sunday at the beautiful 100-year old Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In face, the race was b-o-r-i-n-g. And I am an avid race fan.
There was some side-by-side racing, but passing was virtually impossible. Tire wear was not a problem this year -- thank goodness -- due to extensive testing by several teams and folks from Goodyear, but perhaps a few extra cautions -- with double-file restarts -- would have livened things up a little. It is sad that one of the most prestigious tracks on the circuit was home to a dull race. Even the end, because Mark Martin was unable to slip past or even run neck-and-neck with Jimmy Johnson, was not worth watching.
I even felt sorry, for the first time ever, for Juan Pablo Montoya who got robbed by a speeding penalty after he carried almost the entire race single-handedly. I actually wanted him to win because he earned it.
Personally, I'd like to see the COT scrapped. But, if we must be stuck with the COT, and NASCAR wants to keep fans interested, then races should be shortened or super speedways eliminated from the circuit.
There are some bright sides for me, anyway. My favorite driver Ryan Newman maintained his points standing. Tony Stewart, who is now my second favorite driver, had a great run and is probably the 2009 champion, and I got to get some work done on my latest crocheting project.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Chicagoland Speedway
Relief may be on the way for Chicagoland fans which indicates there will be a change in how tickets are sold at the Joliet, Illinois race track. It was a fascinating to read for me, especially since I was unaware of the problem. While I used to live near the track, and even watched it being built, I had no idea how tickets were sold. I never attended a race there. Had I still lived in the Chicago area, I certainly would have added my voice to the other disgruntled fans.
It certainly was hard not to notice the empty seats at the Sprint Cup race, one of which could have easily accomodated my butt, had I not been 500 miles away. I had to settle for coverage and commentary from TNT.
Did you know that the track ended up in Joliet only after it was rejected at its original site -- near Peotone -- not far from where the State of Illinois has and continues to try to build a new airport? Read about the Peotone airport at CHBlog. Feel free to peruse the site, but don't expect to find information about the race track. Building the track, predated the blog and its posts.
It certainly was hard not to notice the empty seats at the Sprint Cup race, one of which could have easily accomodated my butt, had I not been 500 miles away. I had to settle for coverage and commentary from TNT.
Did you know that the track ended up in Joliet only after it was rejected at its original site -- near Peotone -- not far from where the State of Illinois has and continues to try to build a new airport? Read about the Peotone airport at CHBlog. Feel free to peruse the site, but don't expect to find information about the race track. Building the track, predated the blog and its posts.
NASCAR is family entertainment
Whether it is on-track racing, cheering from the stands, or following racing on television, NASCAR is a sport the entire family can enjoy.
For many of the drivers, racing was a big part of their childhood. Ryan Newman for example, began running go-karts around a make-shift racetrack in the parking lot of his father's repair shop when he was barely old enough to walk. Jeff Gordon was one of many NASCAR drivers who raced quarter-midgets, open-wheel cars especially designed for kids between the ages of five and 16. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was weaned at the race track, as his father and grandfather were race car drivers before him. Like many professions, racing and turning wrenches is generational. Following in father's footsteps is traditional. And NASCAR's traditions are deeply rooted.
Parents can rest assured that NASCAR does not condone alcohol or drug use by drivers or team members. In fact, the sanctioning body of the sport recently suspended a driver -- Jeremy Mayfield -- indefinitely, for failing a drug test. While there is some question about the activity of some of the spectators who drink to excess and may behave inappropriately, that is not the fault of the sport. And that can occur in any sports venue. Unfortunately, bad behavior is reality. Children are to be protected from it and educated about it, not isolated.
Children and parents can look up to NASCAR drivers who are some of the most fan-friendly figures of any sport. Though drivers are similar to other celebrities, they are probably the most accessible to fans. They know that racing is a spectator sport. And they often refer to racing as 'a show.' Drivers participate in autograph sessions and fan-appreciation days, as well as just mingling at the track where they can get up close and personal with those who admire them or follow their careers.
There is no doubt that NASCAR drivers are well-paid, but they put their money to good use as most drivers engage in philanthropic efforts. That makes them good role models for kids. Many drivers give back as they contribute to worthy causes, such as that which was started by Kyle and Patti Petty -- the Victory Junction, a children's camp that enriches the lives of kids with chronic health conditions. It was built in honor of the Pettys' son Adam. It was Adam's dream to build such a camp, but he was killed in a race-related accident in 2000. His parents built the camp to fulfill their son's dream.
The Pettys are not the exception. NASCAR drivers and team owners are regular contributors to philanthropic organizations. Just a few of the many foundations started by those involved with NASCAR include: race team owner Richard Childress and his wife Judy, who have started the Childress Institute for pediatric trauma; The Dale Jr. Foundation founded by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. focuses on youth resources to improve confidence, education and the opportunity to achieve; The Denny Hamlin Foundation works to ease the suffering of children with pediatric cancer and cystic fibrosis; the Jeff Gordon Foundation supports children battling cancer; the Ryan Newman Foundation educates and encourages the spay/neutering of pets and encourages adoption from animal shelters as well as teaching the importance of conservation. In addition to their own foundations focused on interests personal to them, many other activities include charity motorcycle and snowmobile rides, fishing tournaments, and many others.
Sports, like life has pros and cons about them. Yes, race car driving is dangerous. People have been killed and badly hurt, but that can also happen on the road in front of your house. In a family context, sports can be a good teaching tool for children. By observing sports-related activities, kids learn lessons that they can use throughout their lives. They learn competition, how to win and how to lose, teamwork, and a myriad other benefits that help them grow into healthy, competent adults. The lessons are all there. But sometimes it takes an observant parent to point them out. But isn't that what parents are for?
For many of the drivers, racing was a big part of their childhood. Ryan Newman for example, began running go-karts around a make-shift racetrack in the parking lot of his father's repair shop when he was barely old enough to walk. Jeff Gordon was one of many NASCAR drivers who raced quarter-midgets, open-wheel cars especially designed for kids between the ages of five and 16. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was weaned at the race track, as his father and grandfather were race car drivers before him. Like many professions, racing and turning wrenches is generational. Following in father's footsteps is traditional. And NASCAR's traditions are deeply rooted.
Parents can rest assured that NASCAR does not condone alcohol or drug use by drivers or team members. In fact, the sanctioning body of the sport recently suspended a driver -- Jeremy Mayfield -- indefinitely, for failing a drug test. While there is some question about the activity of some of the spectators who drink to excess and may behave inappropriately, that is not the fault of the sport. And that can occur in any sports venue. Unfortunately, bad behavior is reality. Children are to be protected from it and educated about it, not isolated.
Children and parents can look up to NASCAR drivers who are some of the most fan-friendly figures of any sport. Though drivers are similar to other celebrities, they are probably the most accessible to fans. They know that racing is a spectator sport. And they often refer to racing as 'a show.' Drivers participate in autograph sessions and fan-appreciation days, as well as just mingling at the track where they can get up close and personal with those who admire them or follow their careers.
There is no doubt that NASCAR drivers are well-paid, but they put their money to good use as most drivers engage in philanthropic efforts. That makes them good role models for kids. Many drivers give back as they contribute to worthy causes, such as that which was started by Kyle and Patti Petty -- the Victory Junction, a children's camp that enriches the lives of kids with chronic health conditions. It was built in honor of the Pettys' son Adam. It was Adam's dream to build such a camp, but he was killed in a race-related accident in 2000. His parents built the camp to fulfill their son's dream.
The Pettys are not the exception. NASCAR drivers and team owners are regular contributors to philanthropic organizations. Just a few of the many foundations started by those involved with NASCAR include: race team owner Richard Childress and his wife Judy, who have started the Childress Institute for pediatric trauma; The Dale Jr. Foundation founded by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. focuses on youth resources to improve confidence, education and the opportunity to achieve; The Denny Hamlin Foundation works to ease the suffering of children with pediatric cancer and cystic fibrosis; the Jeff Gordon Foundation supports children battling cancer; the Ryan Newman Foundation educates and encourages the spay/neutering of pets and encourages adoption from animal shelters as well as teaching the importance of conservation. In addition to their own foundations focused on interests personal to them, many other activities include charity motorcycle and snowmobile rides, fishing tournaments, and many others.
Sports, like life has pros and cons about them. Yes, race car driving is dangerous. People have been killed and badly hurt, but that can also happen on the road in front of your house. In a family context, sports can be a good teaching tool for children. By observing sports-related activities, kids learn lessons that they can use throughout their lives. They learn competition, how to win and how to lose, teamwork, and a myriad other benefits that help them grow into healthy, competent adults. The lessons are all there. But sometimes it takes an observant parent to point them out. But isn't that what parents are for?
Racing at Richmond
originally written May 21, 2009
There is nothing like short track racing under the lights. Richmond, Virginia was host this weekend on May 1 and 2, to the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup series races.
A race at Richmond offers drivers and fans a back-to-basics kind of racing that is a favorite among them. It often reminds some of the sports' premier drivers of their own humble beginnings when they began their racing career on a neighborhood short track.
The weekend culminated with the Sprint Cup race, NASCAR's top series, where the drivers are arguably the best in the country. The Richmond International Raceway is a D-shaped oval with fourteen-degrees of banking in the turns and room for more than 112,000 fans. Sprint Cup cars are engineered to exact standards, using precision tools and years of innovation, not to mention millions of development dollars. Race teams hire pit crew members which consists of the best and most consistent in their field.
These refinements are in direct contrast to local dirt-track racing where race cars often begin as junkers, but are artfully transformed in a garage, backyard, or carport by men who turn wrenches for fun. Usually on a shoestring budget, they work hard to enter a local race, where they can earn enough in winnings to buy more or better parts to improve on what they have. Despite the sharp contrast, there is an element of similarity in the feel of a professional race at Richmond and those amateur Saturday night venues.
Short-track racing is a fan favorite as it offers close side-by-side racing, passing, and the proverbial 'beatin' and bangin' that has come to be expected at a track like Richmond.
Drivers' skills are always put to the test at the three-quarter-mile oval. Patience is necessary in the 400-lap race, as drivers in the rear of the field try methodically to pass the cars in front of them, one at a time, always trying to advance positions. They are intent on working their way to the front, in anticipation of being the first to take the checkered flag.
Each position is nearly a race in itself as drivers battle one another for each coveted position. The give and take sometimes causes problems as the cars become two- three- and four-wide across the track. Something has to give and usually does. And then there are times that patience simply runs out. The result is often crumpled fenders, flattened tires, visible sparks, and smoke billowing from beneath the car as one or more limps its way to pit road.
Richmond is a feel-good race track. And that translated into the top five finishers at Saturday's race. Kyle Busch won the race. And what could be better than winning a race on your twenty-fourth birthday? He also won Friday night's Nationwide series event on the same track.
In second place was Tony Stewart who is enjoying a phenomenal first year as a team owner/driver. Stewart left the comfort of Joe Gibbs Racing last year after a 10 year association to become co-owner in his own team, Stewart-Haas Racing.
There is nothing like short track racing under the lights. Richmond, Virginia was host this weekend on May 1 and 2, to the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup series races.
A race at Richmond offers drivers and fans a back-to-basics kind of racing that is a favorite among them. It often reminds some of the sports' premier drivers of their own humble beginnings when they began their racing career on a neighborhood short track.
The weekend culminated with the Sprint Cup race, NASCAR's top series, where the drivers are arguably the best in the country. The Richmond International Raceway is a D-shaped oval with fourteen-degrees of banking in the turns and room for more than 112,000 fans. Sprint Cup cars are engineered to exact standards, using precision tools and years of innovation, not to mention millions of development dollars. Race teams hire pit crew members which consists of the best and most consistent in their field.
These refinements are in direct contrast to local dirt-track racing where race cars often begin as junkers, but are artfully transformed in a garage, backyard, or carport by men who turn wrenches for fun. Usually on a shoestring budget, they work hard to enter a local race, where they can earn enough in winnings to buy more or better parts to improve on what they have. Despite the sharp contrast, there is an element of similarity in the feel of a professional race at Richmond and those amateur Saturday night venues.
Short-track racing is a fan favorite as it offers close side-by-side racing, passing, and the proverbial 'beatin' and bangin' that has come to be expected at a track like Richmond.
Drivers' skills are always put to the test at the three-quarter-mile oval. Patience is necessary in the 400-lap race, as drivers in the rear of the field try methodically to pass the cars in front of them, one at a time, always trying to advance positions. They are intent on working their way to the front, in anticipation of being the first to take the checkered flag.
Each position is nearly a race in itself as drivers battle one another for each coveted position. The give and take sometimes causes problems as the cars become two- three- and four-wide across the track. Something has to give and usually does. And then there are times that patience simply runs out. The result is often crumpled fenders, flattened tires, visible sparks, and smoke billowing from beneath the car as one or more limps its way to pit road.
Richmond is a feel-good race track. And that translated into the top five finishers at Saturday's race. Kyle Busch won the race. And what could be better than winning a race on your twenty-fourth birthday? He also won Friday night's Nationwide series event on the same track.
In second place was Tony Stewart who is enjoying a phenomenal first year as a team owner/driver. Stewart left the comfort of Joe Gibbs Racing last year after a 10 year association to become co-owner in his own team, Stewart-Haas Racing.
NASCAR at Talladega, always thrilling, sometimes scary
Originally written April 27, 2009 NASCAR racing at Talladega Super Speedway this weekend did not disappoint. It was all about action Sunday as a 13-car melee occurred on only the seventh lap, taking out cars whose drivers had a real potential to win.
Another multi-car wreck occurred near the end of the race, which took out another 10 cars. Ryan Newman, who started this season with hideous luck that weighed on his performance, wheeled past his competitors to make his way to the front of the pack in both Saturday's Nationwide race and again Sunday in the Sprint Cup event.
For his fans, it was exhilarating. In both races, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was glued to Newman's back bumper, which added push to Newman's already fast run. Saturday Newman drove the #33 car for Kevin Harvick, Inc. Leading into the last lap, Newman had to settle for second place after a photo-finish pass by David Ragan who received a triumphant push by rookie Joey Logano.
Newman and Earnhardt, Jr. were in the same position Sunday, but finished third after being involved a dramatic last lap crash. For Newman supporters, anticipation was high; the adrenalin flowed. But it was quickly replaced with a horrible sick feeling. During the last lap, Newman's car was passed by what must have seemed like a freight train made up of two bumper-to-bumper race cars driven by Carl Edwards and rookie Brad Kezelowski respectively.
They shot past him. The two tangled as the car piloted by Edwards went airborne just ahead of Newman who plowed into the flying racecar. As Edwards' car sprung off the front end of Newman's car, it sailed viciously toward the fence headed for unsuspecting fans.
Fortunately the fence held, though some were injured by flying debris. The injuries were not serious or life-threatening, according to reports. Newman and Edwards were unhurt. A similar take-off occurred in Saturday's race when David Ragan's car touched that of his teammate Matt Kenseth, causing it to roll several times along the back straightaway. He too was unhurt. Though the result was not his preferred option, Newman's points position soared. He ended the race 13th in points after starting 17th.
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