NATIONWIDE: Hey, they had a great turnout - like 57,000 fans. And they got all the excitement they could handle.
Aside from Stewart winning, which he did with 'stiletto' like skill, it was the rookies that impressed me. Alex Bowman coming with a 3rd place will do good for his season. This kid has fine talent and I believe will show well the entire season.
Was too bad Kyle Larson got caught in the really nasty crash because he ran tough all day long. And Nelson Piquet Jr. showed he will be someone to watch this year. Pastrana showed pretty well for himself too - was in some pretty tight spots and showed he can take it. All these guys are going to be strong competition for the ex-CUP racers hoping to win the Championship. There is so much young talent in this years Nationwide series I think it's going to be a fantastic competitive season.
The fan injuries was a tough thing. I'm choosing to not address it because I'm sure there will be numerous folks taking their shots at the unfortunate situation. I'll leave it as it was, a tough, sad deal. Heart goes out to each and every one.
The 500: Yes, of course - Danica Patrick taking pole position then leading some laps was everyone's big story - history, history, history. I've already eaten my "double-double" amount of crow - which was hard to chew - but I did it. She ran well but experienced talent took over at the end - as it usually does.
To me, it was pretty much a 'processional' for a good part of the race. In fact, at one point I said to my wife, "This is kinda boring." Single file, troll around the track - but that changed with every re-start and especially at the finish.
I've read stuff about how some drivers "deserved" a better finish. That's BS. To me, deserved it not a valid phrase in auto racing outcomes. I prefer the phrase, "He won the old fashioned way - he earned it." And that is exactly what Jimmy Johnson and the entire #48 team did - they took control when it counted, made the right moves and won fair and square. Nothing was given to them - they EARNED their 2nd Daytona 500.
Was sad to see Denny Hamlin continue his whining by complaining to Brad K about, "Your genius teammate..." But that's him - top "Whiner" for JGR and "Little Man of the Year" for not stepping up to the plate and marrying his girlfriend before (or even after) producing an illegitimate child. I find it very difficult to respect him.
Glad to see Scott Speed picked up a sponsor for the race. He grabbed about $305,000 in prize money - which he earned. Hope to see him at the next race.
The race to the CHASE is officially on. May the best team, driver, owner combination win.
Oh, wait... How could I go without making comment about the new Gen 6 car? OMG, they look like a Ford, a Chevy, a Toyota. Maybe more difficult to drive (which is good). Good deal as far as I'm concerned.
We're back to Win on Sunday, sell on Monday... What could be better than that?
Hannah Davis
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Uncle Hubie....was wondering where you were at LOL
Agree with the up and coming talent in NW....Pastrani, Larson, Piquet, Bowman.
Agree that Tony had a good win....too bad he got taken out so early in the Cup race.
I am not eating any crow nor retracting any comments regarding Danica......any negative comments I've made were based on what I had seen up to the time those comments were made.......however, she did do much better than I expected in the 500......and good for her for that......but like you said, I will wait and see how she does in "normal" races.
I like the Gen6 car...looks good, seems to run good......but I am very anxious to see how it does at other tracks......I like tandem racing at a few tracks that have it, but this long line racing is a bore.
I dont think I have ever said this before....but the NW was a more exciting race than the Cup one......(not because of that horrific accident).
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4241)
There is only one driver that I detest and have no respect for.......anyone that knows me knows how I feel about Hamlin.....100% garbage he is, as a person.....he can drive well sometimes, but he kraps out every Chase it seems......and his lawnmower hairdo suits him to a tee. LOL
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4241)
Thanks for the consideration. This 'old' guy was taking a break - battery recharge. Took three of my grand-kids on a surfing, beach camping experience. And, figured everyone would be all over testing of the new car and not much I could add. Guess I could have commented on Edwards wrecking (not necessarily his fault) damn near every car the Cat-in-the-Hat had built for him.
I've never been a Danica fan. Not because of her, it's just I can't take all the media over-hype. Good thing she left IndyCar, she was getting run-over by that group. She led some laps, stayed mostly in the top ten but lost her way when it counted. A lot yet to learn. It's a long, grueling season. However, she ran a damn good race.
With the super-funding from GoDaddy it quite obvious that Stewart-Haas can put some really great equipment under DP. But, there is tough stuff to come.
Have to agree - the Gen6 car looks to be the 'real' deal.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (97)
This YouTube video says it all about the entire #48 team as a whole, and specifically what Rick Hendrick has built - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMaVCM5IbEM&feature=youtu.be
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (97)
Excellent read.. by far the Nationwide race.. not including the last lap wreck.. was better than the Cup race.. the 'pack' racing is what fans want to see at the SuperSpeedway tracks.. not the 20 car freight-train style.. both both styles have their flaws as we saw and I don't see how Nascar can come up with a fix-all solution that doesn't upset fans
WILD FAN
Total Comments (23087)
great blog. agree about Danica. too much fussin over nothin, at this point anyways.
The NW was a better race, except for the accident.
Like the new car look, but hope it will not make the other races as dull as the 500. They were goin fast but all in one line. I dozed off and missed the last 30 laps LOL
Luvdatracin
Total Comments (421)
Good to see you back UncleHubie I too have been missing your insight in the off season.
I listened to the race on the radio because of work, and didn't get the full impact of the last lap until I got home. Prayers and Thoughts go out to all those effected and their families.
Personally I was underwhelmed by the 500. When someone made the comment that the racing would be like the style in the 90's they weren't kidding, long boring racing where the drivers can't pass! Say what you will about it, at least with the 2-car draft you could make passes. It will be interesting to see how the cars handle this week in Phoenix.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2066)
We are all wondering about that....it has got to be different on non plate tracks.
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4241)
And there is a nagging feeling in the back of my mind that it's not going to be different. Thinking back to the 90's I don't remember the racing being all that exciting on the non-plate tracks either.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2066)
I appreciate you comment regarding my blog. Thank you.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (97)
I appreciate your comment regarding my blog. Thank you. Regarding Danica: Phoenix qualifying is a fine example - only three drivers slower.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (97)
Thank you. But honestly, someone missing my insight isn't something I understand. However, I do appreciate your comment. Hopefully I can live up to the task as time moves forward through this racing season.
Any insight I've been able to share comes from having had the opportunity to work with and compete with (on the track) some really great people: Paul Pfanner, when we built FORMULA Magazine (he went on to give us RACER Magazine); Dennis Firestone, Bob Earl, Marty Loft, Dick Shirey and a bunch of really great Formula Ford drivers; Bobby Rahal, Giles Villeneuve and a ton of guys that went on to accomplish amazing things after Formula Atlantic. And the chance of a lifetime to work with legends like Dan Gurney and Chris Pook. Any insight I have came from them.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (97)
We just appreciate your "down to earth" blogging.....lots of blogs out there......but not too many have good content....Your insights are good, even if we don't agree with them.
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4241)
Don't like much him either.
Luvdatracin
Total Comments (421)
Your blogs are good, make sense and not "run of the mill". I like them.
Luvdatracin
Total Comments (421)
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