Nationwide Series - Starter Bros. 300

[DanicaFan]

Well, Danica will get her 2nd start in the Nationwide Series this weekend at Auto Club Speedway (Fontana). I look for a much better result from her this time. Hopefully no one will crash her out.http://www.racing-forums.com/vb/images/smilies/wink.gif

The race is Saturday, Feb. 20th at 5pm Eastern on ESPN2.

[71Fan]

Personally, I can't hardly wait for California. I love long races on wide open tracks.

And, as long as Danica keeps it a tad on the tight side, doesn't blow a pit stop, doesn't hook it coming out of turn, or get caught up in somebody else's craziness, I expect her to run a conservative race, get lot's of seat time, and maybe even finish lead lap.

Plus, if she gets close to going or does go down a lap I'm pretty certain NASCAR will throw a mystery yellow to bring her back in to the mix.

[harvick#1]

california speedway = :s nore:

[Lee Roy]

Well, Danica will get her 2nd start in the Nationwide Series this weekend at Auto Club Speedway (Fontana). I look for a much better result from her this time. Hopefully no one will crash her out.http://www.racing-forums.com/vb/images/smilies/wink.gif


Crash her out?? No one "crashed her out" in Daytona, she was caught up in one.

Are you already looking for excuses?

[TURN3]

I had decided for myself after Daytona that I wouldn't post directly on Danica related subjects unless for some strange reason it actually had something to do with the race (i.e. Danica blocks leader while getting lapped, Mystery caution while Danica is about to get lapped, etc. **You know the standards that normally are applied in Indycar). Anyway, I just realized how much my contributions to the very thing I despise. So with this post my personal policy is now in effect.

But since there likely won't be another reason to post about her the rest of the year...I must say how impressive she was in practice at Fontana just now. 36th fastest of I think 39 cars. She ran more laps than anybody and of course in a car that competed for wins and a championship last year...she's got talent, not sure why I keep forgetting that.

[beachbum]

I had decided for myself after Daytona that I wouldn't post directly on Danica related subjects unless for some strange reason it actually had something to do with the race (i.e. Danica blocks leader while getting lapped, Mystery caution while Danica is about to get lapped, etc. **You know the standards that normally are applied in Indycar). Anyway, I just realized how much my contributions to the very thing I despise. So with this post my personal policy is now in effect.

But since there likely won't be another reason to post about her the rest of the year...I must say how impressive she was in practice at Fontana just now. 36th fastest of I think 39 cars. She ran more laps than anybody and of course in a car that competed for wins and a championship last year...she's got talent, not sure why I keep forgetting that.Her "fastest" lap was almost 2 full seconds off the quickest cars. The TV coverage followed every lap and radio transmission. (There were other cars on track? Really?) Her complaint? You guessed it - the back end didn't feel "planted". I wonder how she would deal with a dirt late model...........

[TURN3]

Her complaint? You guessed it - the back end didn't feel "planted".

I wasn't going to bring it up Beach but it did cross my mind when that was the complaint. Surprising to those of us familiar with her Indycar career? I think not.

*Special Note: This does not violate my personal policy as it is in reply to my previous comment.

Oh one more thing. There is a song named You Spin me Round, I believe from the 80's by a group called Dead or Alive. Her "handlers" might as well covet it as their theme.

[DanicaFan]

The Nationwide Series practice session is over. Brian Vickers topped the speed charts. Danica was 37th. Her lap time and speed was 42.455 / 169.591.

Here are the top 10..

Rank / Car# & Driver / Lap Time / Speed

1. #32 Brian Vickers / 40.512 / 177.725
2. #98 Paul Menard / 40.596 / 177.357
3. #27 Greg Biffle / 40.599 / 177.344
4. #38 Jason Leffler / 40.660 / 177.078
5. #16 Colin Braun / 40.696 / 176.922
6. #60 Carl Edwards / 40.705 / 176.882
7. #22 Brad Keselowski / 40.735 / 176.752
8. #10 David Reutimann / 40.851 / 176.250
9. #20 Joey Logano / 40.875 / 176.147
10. #66 Steve Wallace / 40.878 / 176.134

[harvick#1]

2 full seconds slower in a Hendrick car :rolleyes:

DF, I will not set your standards very high for any race Danica runs this year.

Daytona was pollr herbest shot to make an impact, every other race and track have to have a drivers feel with the cars, she is gonna extremely struggle at every track, even if just about every track she is gonna run is a cookie cutter.

[slorydn1]

I was watching it, she was visibily slow, you could hear it on the continuous in car cam coverage she was getting.....she was letting off halfway down the back stretch and not getting back to the gas until she was WAAAAAY late on corner exit. I cringed when one of the unsponsered back markers BLEW by her like she was standing still

[beachbum]

I was watching it, she was visibily slow, you could hear it on the continuous in car cam coverage she was getting.....she was letting off halfway down the back stretch and not getting back to the gas until she was WAAAAAY late on corner exit. I cringed when one of the unsponsered back markers BLEW by her like she was standing stillI was "sorta" watching the coverage with the sound off when I saw her pull Brian Vickers by 2 car lengths down the straightaway. Considering Vickers was the fastest car at the time, that shows some serious HP in the 7. But then they got to a turn and he blew by. Coming out of that same turn, he was already a couple car lengths ahead.

Sad to see such quality equipment in the hands of someone who doesn't seem to know how to use it.

[slorydn1]

Qually is still ongoing, but it looks like Logano will be the pole sitter at 39.72

Danica is at a 41.62, 1.9 seconds off the pace

[DanicaFan]

Joey Logano is locked in as your pole winner. Danica is currently at 36th position. :(

[DanicaFan]

Here is your starting line-up for this race..

Position / Car# & Driver / Lap Time / Speed

1. #20 Joey Logano / 39.72 / 181.283
2. #18 Kyle Busch / 40.02 / 179.906
3. #11 Brian Scott / 40.07 / 179.672
4. #60 Carl Edwards / 40.15 / 179.332
5. #27 Greg Biffle / 40.33 / 178.536
6. #21 John Wes Townley / 40.40 / 177.813
7. #32 Brian Vickers / 40.50 / 177.773
8. #33 Kevin Harvick / 40.51 / 177.730
9. #1 James Buescher / 40.55 / 177.559
10. #99 Trevor Bayne / 40.57 / 177.480
11. #10 David Reutimann / 40.70 / 176.895
12. #66 Steve Wallace / 40.71 / 176.848
13. #22 Brad Keselowski / 40.76 / 176.635
14. #62 Brandon Gaughan / 40.77 / 176.613
15. #12 Justin Allgaier / 40.77 / 176.583
16. #87 Joe Nemechek / 40.78 / 176.557
17. #98 Paul Menard / 40.82 / 176.401
18. #16 Colin Braun / 40.91 / 175.979
19. #01 Mike Wallace / 40.95 / 175.811
20. #38 Jason Leffler / 40.97 / 175.721
21. #35 Jason Keller / 41.02 / 175.528
22. #96 Dennis Setzer / 41.07 / 175.315
23. #70 Mark Green / 41.08 / 175.259
24. #24 Eric McClure / 41.10 / 175.204
25. #56 Kevin Lepage / 41.10 / 175.182
26. #6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. / 41.12 / 175.106
27. #43 Scott Lagasse Jr. / 41.19 / 174.812
28. #83 Johnny Borneman / 41.20 / 174.753
29. #42 Parker Kligerman / 41.20 / 174.740
30. #05 Willie Allen / 41.20 / 174.736
31. #07 Danny Efland / 41.22 / 174.656
32. #88 Kelly Bires / 41.24 / 174.584
33. #73 Derrike Cope / 41.28 / 174.414
34. #15 Michael Annett / 41.38 / 173.989
35. #34 Tony Raines / 41.42 / 173.850
36. #7 Danica Patrick / 41.62 / 172.990
37. #81 Michael McDowell / 41.74 / 172.496
38. #61 Josh Wise / 41.78 / 172.327
39. #28 Kenny Wallace / 41.97 / 171.547
40. #23 Robert Richardson Jr. / 42.40 / 169.791
41. #26 Brian Keselowski / 42.92 / 167.754
42. #40 Mike Bliss - No Time
43. #09 Scott Riggs / 41.37 / 174.027

[beachgirl]

It's a good thing for her that she had a guaranteed start. If she would not have, she would not have qualified.

[harvick#1]

no, she would've started 37th :p :

[TURN3]

An appropriate post right now would go against my new personal policy. Dang, this really isn't any fun!!

I will say that thankfully DFan isn't posting the entire list down to you know how for the practice sessions. It's a long list, we'd have a 4 page thread already!

[beachbum]

no, she would've started 37th :p :Check again. She was slower than at least 2 cars that got bumped. If she had to qualify on speed, they would have loaded up the car. That was after her second lap, the first one was waaaaay off the pace.

[NickFalzone]

If she needed to qualify on speed, she would have. And I see her getting a top 25 finish, for better or worse. She's a long way from having a feel for these cars but hers is good enough that she'll be able to at least race from week to week.

[TURN3]

Why isn't ESPN playing the radio com of Kyle Busch? Hahaaaaaahaaa! Wow, he was trying to pass NASCAR's version of Hiro Matsua (the moving chicane). :D :D :D

[beachgirl]

If she needed to qualify on speed, she would have. And I see her getting a top 25 finish, for better or worse. She's a long way from having a feel for these cars but hers is good enough that she'll be able to at least race from week to week.

Maybe she should have tried to qualify as if she DID have to qualify on speed. She could have used the experience.

If Milka Duno were in the #7 right now, everyone would be screaming for her head, she didn't belong on the track, she's blocking everyone, she's taking a ride a more deserving driver should have.......need I add more to this?

She's dead last, dropping like a stone, and almost took out Kyle Busch. No excuses.

[Sparky1329]

Lap #29. Car #7 is already 1 lap down. The only way she'll get a top 25 is if half the field fails to finish.

[NickFalzone]

I don't understand how she could be driving that car so poorly.

[beachgirl]

I don't understand how she could be driving that car so poorly.

Maybe the word "driving" is the operative word. She cannot race. She can drive, but she cannot race, and there is a world of difference between the two, as anyone who has ever raced can tell you in a heartbeat.

[TURN3]

I don't understand how she could be driving that car so poorly.

Have you paid attention to anything that she's ever done? Beachgirl is on the right track but frankly, she's being nice. Not very many people have been publicly candid, open, and honest about the talent level of this hack. All you have to do is go back through her entire professional career and you'll be able to paint a very, very clear picture.

I'm sorry I couldn't resist. This is a very hard policy for me to follow considering the immense joy I'm having watching it.

[harvick#1]

Turn3 sig prolly best describes Danica Patrick

[TURN3]

Turn3 sig prolly best describes Danica Patrick

Thanks Harv. My GF came up with that about 3 years ago actually...bless her.

[beachgirl]

Marty Reid is too much. On the obligatory "Danica Update", he said she "started 36th, and worked her way up to 34th". I'm underwhelmed. Especially since he neglected to mention she went 3 laps down while working her way up to 34th.

[beachgirl]

Marty just did it AGAIN in the space of a few minutes! ROFLMAO!!

There is some humor in this broadcast after all!

I'm sure it is the equipment, or Tony Eury, Jr. Her teammate is only up to 8th after starting 32nd.

[willracefan]

well harvick blew up so this race is over. hope this doesnt get in the way of consistency to contend for the nns title.

[slorydn1]

well harvick blew up so this race is over. hope this doesnt get in the way of consistency to contend for the nns title.

First Nationwide DNF since October 2005...Im not sweating it. Edwards butsed speeding multiple times.Keslowski making as many enemies as he possibly can...

Its a long year

Hell, even Kevin was smiling when he said "What can ya do?"

[slorydn1]

Now, Maybe the Danica Show Place Network can FINALLY go back to covering the race and not the backmarkers...MAYBE, POSSIBLY, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP?!?!?!?!?

[NickFalzone]

Hate to say it, but I was happy to see Logano get pushed aside in the last couple laps. The look on his face was priceless :) Great finish.

[harvick#1]

california speedway = :s nore:

[NickFalzone]

Now, Maybe the Danica Show Place Network can FINALLY go back to covering the race and not the backmarkers...MAYBE, POSSIBLY, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP?!?!?!?!?

slory because of her intermittent schedule, she will still be covered regularly during the broadcasts regardless of where she is in the field. If she ran full time for a year or so and had mediocre results, they'd start laying off her. But with only a handful of races this year, she will likely continue to get major coverage in all of them. I had this race on with the sound off today and it was funny every other time I looked over they had the camera on the 7 car. She was running 30th and worse most of the race really accomplishing nothing on the track. But Marty Reid always finds something to comment on with her... was the same in IndyCar. In IRL it would be "she's already moved up 6 spots since starting in the 18th position". Here it was "she moved up from 36th to 30th, she should be proud of her day". The mediocre Danica/Marty Reid combo is a strong reminder of the 2006/7 IndyCar seasons.

[beachbum]

But Marty Reid always finds something to comment on with her... was the same in IndyCar. In IRL it would be "she's already moved up 6 spots since starting in the 18th position". Here it was "she moved up from 36th to 30th, she should be proud of her day". The mediocre Danica/Marty Reid combo is a strong reminder of the 2006/7 IndyCar seasons.Yeah, she "won" 31st, 3 laps down. Well, at least the NASCAR fans got to see the famous temper tantrums as she stormed away from the track brushing off an interview with Jamie Little. I was surprised that ESPN showed it.

I was wondering how long it would take until the "new" Danica was overcome by the real Danica and we would see the pout. Apparently not long. I wonder who she will blame this time.

[71Fan]

Great race. Great finish for Kyle. I seriously expect somebody to wall Brad real soon. Scott Speed had a very good run.

meanwhile, on to Danica....

Tony jr was happy and proud of Danica's progress today, and that's gotta count for something. She finished ahead of Mark Green (who was also 3 laps down) in 31st place, and picked up near a second on her lap times.

She's still got to get used to loose is fast, and has got to learn more about pit road speed and not reying on rev-limiters on pit road. But all in all a very good day of practice.

[71Fan]

btw, what is so dastardly about pouting? Or showing any negative emotion when that's the way a person feels?

Feelings are one of the true realities in this world. God Bless all who are unafraid to show them....and btw, "like" is not a feeling.

[71Fan]

oh yea, this too.....I really thought the general coverage of the race was superb today. Including but not limited to the coverage of NASCAR's newest star.

[TURN3]

Great race. Great finish for Kyle. I seriously expect somebody to wall Brad real soon. Scott Speed had a very good run.

meanwhile, on to Danica....

Tony jr was happy and proud of Danica's progress today, and that's gotta count for something. She finished ahead of Mark Green (who was also 3 laps down) in 31st place, and picked up near a second on her lap times.

She's still got to get used to loose is fast, and has got to learn more about pit road speed and not reying on rev-limiters on pit road. But all in all a very good day of practice.

Oh good Lord. Spin me baby, spin me. She picked up about 3/4 second on her early lap times, where else could they have gone? The pace car was almost as fast as her. Even at her fastest she was losing ground to 36 other running cars. Just like in Indycar, the only way she moves up a position is through attrition.

You think she has to learn loose is fast? Well she hasn't learned it in an entire career up until now so I don't see that changing anytime soon. It is too early to call but I think after Las Vegas the JR Motorsports camp will be wondering for several months if they didn't get in even deeper than they expected. The driver we speak of is no better than half the people of this forum...hardly a world class talent here.

[71Fan]

well harvick blew up so this race is over. hope this doesnt get in the way of consistency to contend for the nns title.

Dango....bummer you can't or won't enjoy a race where your apparent fave is not in the mix. Oh well, to each his own.

[Sparky1329]

I've had enough of Danica-Cam to last a lifetime.

[harvick#1]

what a waste of very competitive race car for a driver who cant ever race backmarkers

[Easy Drifter]

The TSN web site (TSN2 carried the race) has a 4 paragraph story on the race. The first and last paragraphs were all Danica.

[71Fan]

what a waste of very competitive race car for a driver who cant ever race backmarkers

She wasn't out there to race, she was out there to log laps.

[harvick#1]

She wasn't out there to race, she was out there to log laps.


and its basically taking a seat away from an up and comer but can't get the ride because Danica is higher priority,

Jr is a joke of an owner for making this move, Danica does not have what it takes for Nascar, hell even ARCA. Dario failed so fast and so did all the other open wheel drivers except for the ones that can wheel any racecar.

go back and stay in the IRL Danica, your way better off, trust me, unless she enjoys running 30th everyweek in top equipment.

shes just logging laps, so thats her excuse this time for running piss poor and being lapped by the 18th lap

and before you say that I couldn't do it as well, yeah of course I can't I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth and got trained into racing when I was in kindergarten.

[TURN3]

She wasn't out there to race, she was out there to log laps.

Spin me baby, spin me, spin me!!!

How long are you going to try and make sense of it? If it suits your interest, all of her stats are available from the time she turned pro about 12 years ago. Strikingly, she's never been good at anything so.......?

[DanicaFan]

Congrats to Kyle Busch for the win. I feel bad for Joey Logano though.

Danica finished 31st. She did run the whole race which is good. She got seat time which is crucial. Look for her to be more aggressive and finish much higher next week at Las Vegas. :)

[DanicaFan]

Here are the final results..

1. #18 Kyle Busch
2. #27 Greg Biffle
3. #22 Brad Keselowski
4. #60 Carl Edwards
5. #20 Joey Logano
6. #66 Steve Wallace
7. #88 Kelly Bires
8. #32 Brian Vickers
9. #12 Justin Allgaier
10. #11 Brian Scott
11. #99 Trevor Bayne
12. #01 Mike Wallace
13. #1 James Buescher
14. #38 Jason Leffler
15. #43 Scott Lagasse Jr.
16. #09 Scott Riggs
17. #15 Michael Annett
18. #16 Colin Braun
19. #98 Paul Menard
20. #35 Jason Keller
21. #81 Michael McDowell
22. #42 Parker Kligerman
23. #87 Joe Nemechek
24. #62 Brendan Gaughan
25. #34 Tony Raines
26. #10 David Reutimann
27. #40 Mike Bliss
28. #05 Willie Allen
29. #28 Kenny Wallace
30. #21 John Wes Townley
31. #7 Danica Patrick
32. #70 Mark Green
33. #23 Robert Richardson Jr.
34. #26 Brian Keselowski
35. #24 Eric McClure
36. #73 Derrike Cope
37. #61 Josh Wise
38. #33 Kevin Harvick
39. #6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
40. #56 Kevin Lepage
41. #07 Danny Efland
42. #96 Dennis Setzer
43. #83 John Borneman III

[Scotty G.]

She looks about like Anthony Foyt looked in Busch/Nationwide.

Lets face facts....she looks completely out-of-her-element and the real TALENT she is facing now in Nationwide, is over-whelming her. Add in the fact, that it takes driver SKILL to race these stock cars at most tracks and engineers aren't driving these cars for you like they do in Indy Racing and its a really bad combo.

She should have either committed FULL-TIME to NASCAR or not gone at all. She can't have it all. She likely will never make it anyway, but she certainly will never make it doing it half-ass. Its too tough in NASCAR.

She is in a top 10 caliber ride, with a great budget and Cup guys on her car. And this is the best she can do? 4 seconds off the pace? That would be like 20 MPH in a Indy Car.

Just another black mark for current-day Indy Car Racing. Remember, this (according to points) was the 5th best driver in the sport last year. That is scary.

[Sparky1329]

and its basically taking a seat away from an up and comer but can't get the ride because Danica is higher priority,

Jr is a joke of an owner for making this move, Danica does not have what it takes for Nascar, hell even ARCA. Dario failed so fast and so did all the other open wheel drivers except for the ones that can wheel any racecar.

go back and stay in the IRL Danica, your way better off, trust me, unless she enjoys running 30th everyweek in top equipment.

shes just logging laps, so thats her excuse this time for running piss poor and being lapped by the 18th lap

and before you say that I couldn't do it as well, yeah of course I can't I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth and got trained into racing when I was in kindergarten.

You have to admit that PR-wise it was a no-brainer. Otherwise, not so much. It's fast becoming a big bad joke on JR Motorsports and I can't say I'm surprised. There's no "there" there and, based on her racing stats, I never thought there was.

[Easy Drifter]

Anybody who just goes out there to log laps is not a Racing driver.
They are just a hack driving a racing car.

[beachbum]

Ok, back to the real racing. A couple young drivers were very impressive and didn't get much press. Kelly Bires, Brian Scott, Trevor Bayne, James Buescher, Scott Lagasse Jr., and Michael Annett all had good drives. These drivers are the real future of NASCAR. They are young and will only get better with experience. It is good to see them in quality equipment and showing what they can do. In particular, Brian Scott looked very good as he ran with or in front of his more experienced teammate Brian Vickers.

The Sprint Cup drivers running Nationwide series this year may find of these young guns a bit tougher than expected.

[harvick#1]

Anybody who just goes out there to log laps is not a Racing driver.
They are just a hack driving a racing car.

+1

that is what testing is for

[beachgirl]

+1

that is what testing is for

Exactly! If all she's doing out there is "logging laps" right from the green flag, she's endangering herself and the others who have to try to race around her.

Right now, she's the Dr. Miller/Marty Roth of Nationwide. If she weren't The Danica and the cash cow, she could have been blackflagged, which Nationwide has in fact done in the past to drivers too slow and too erratic.

[slorydn1]

I have a question....Show of hands? How many people here know WHY Harvick's motor blew? He had been over heating since just after the first restart.Why was he over heating since just after the first restart? Ahhhh because he had a run going to the outside of the 11 car (Brian Scott) as they were getting ready to go into 1 and Scott blocked him,Kevin got in to him and scrunched the grill...BUT How many here knew that? Unless you were listening to the free trackpass scanner or were physicaly at the race, you have NO IDEA.Why? Because as soon as the 2 front row cars broke the plane of the start finish line EVEY CAMERA was searching for a car that was at the back of the pack, 1 Lap down at that point. If ya didn't have the scanner, ya didn't get to hear the quote of the day "Tell the 11 that this ISNT the truck series, and if he pulls that bull sh*t again he is going into the FENCE" The fact that contact occurred, or that there was ill will because of it was NEVER covered by DSPN. Within 5 laps of that contact Harvicks water temps went north of 230 and stayed there,even after pulling tape off the grill after a long green flag run, so it was only a matter of time. During the first "through the field" Harvick got passed for p5, dropping to p6.DSPN did the top 5,then shifted the camera to Danica,gushing about how well she's doing, as she was getting put 2 laps down by Logano.

Make no mistake, I WANTED her to do well.But I have never in my life of following nascar (all the way back to 1979) have EVER seen a backmarker getting MORE coverage that the race leaders during the race. Yes, shes a woman. Yes, she's a pretty woman. Yes, she lucked into an Indy car win on fuel mileage. Yes, she raises ratings and brings in the casual fan.BUT THE OVER COVERAGE OF THIS ONE BACKMARKER IS COSTING NASCAR REAL FANS THAT HAVE BEEN HERE FOR EVER.

For the very first time EVER, I shut the tv off in the middle of a race. Several of you here have done that several times in the last several years,I have NEVER done that before, NEVER. I'm the stiff that records PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING AND WATCHES IT LATER when I have to work,and I felt the NEED to shut my TV off in the middle of a race,a good race at that. Every time they mentioned her after the halfway point of the race I shut my tv off, counted to 40 (the approximate length of time for 1 lap at Cali) and turned it back on again. On two occasions, that 40 seconds WAS TOO SOON!!!!!!!

I think its Hilarious that Nationwide is only putting the free track pass scanner up there for selected races,and strangely enuff, most of them are races Danica is slated to be in. I'm sure that was to try to get the "newbies" to listen to her, but really, its the ONLY way the rest of us who follow the other drivers in the race are going to find out whats going on.

[NickFalzone]

Slory, you're right, but unfortunately for IndyCar fans this is all too familiar. Maybe Reid, etc. will chill out after she consistently is in the back of the pack for a few races. But in IndyCar on ABC/ESPN, that did not happen. She would be running 12th or 13th out of 18 cars and they would keep cutting back to her for NO apparent reason other than "let's talk about that girl the casual fans might want to hear about". It really got frustrating for me when there were passes being made by some of my favorite drivers that got COMPLETELY ignored. Literally after the race, the driver would walk out and get interviewed and then say "oh, they must not have shown that on TV". Not only do the ABC crew turn the cameras away from the interesting front to mid-pack action, the action happening there DOES NOT even register. They just completely miss that a great pass was made from 9th to 7th, or a driver having aero or engine problems. They don't cut back to it later, it just gets completely lost unless you were listening to the radio broadcast. All we'd see is a change on the ticker, and maybe a driver coming in for a strangely timed pitstop. Rarely would they even talk about a driver that suddenly went in to pit because of mechanical problems. They would just disappear from the grid and 10 or 15 minutes later Reid would quickly mention that driver such-and-such is in the garage. Then back to the 7...

[slorydn1]

Slory, you're right, but unfortunately for IndyCar fans this is all too familiar. Maybe Reid, etc. will chill out after she consistently is in the back of the pack for a few races. But in IndyCar on ABC/ESPN, that did not happen. She would be running 12th or 13th out of 18 cars and they would keep cutting back to her for NO apparent reason other than "let's talk about that girl the casual fans might want to hear about". It really got frustrating for me when there were passes being made by some of my favorite drivers that got COMPLETELY ignored. Literally after the race, the driver would walk out and get interviewed and then say "oh, they must not have shown that on TV". Not only do the ABC crew turn the cameras away from the interesting front to mid-pack action, the action happening there DOES NOT even register. They just completely miss that a great pass was made from 9th to 7th, or a driver having aero or engine problems. They don't cut back to it later, it just gets completely lost unless you were listening to the radio broadcast. All we'd see is a change on the ticker, and maybe a driver coming in for a strangely timed pitstop. Rarely would they even talk about a driver that suddenly went in to pit because of mechanical problems. They would just disappear from the grid and 10 or 15 minutes later Reid would quickly mention that driver such-and-such is in the garage. Then back to the 7...

I did watch most of the Indy car season last year (was kinda pullin for Castroneves wanted him to win after the Govt tried to screw him for the rest of his life) until Versus pulled its programming off DirectTV,and I didn't notice a whole lot of that, but, then again, I may not have been playing that close attention either.

[NickFalzone]

I did watch most of the Indy car season last year (was kinda pullin for Castroneves wanted him to win after the Govt tried to screw him for the rest of his life) until Versus pulled its programming off DirectTV,and I didn't notice a whole lot of that, but, then again, I may not have been playing that close attention either.

No, on Versus they did not bring her up very often, no more so than any other driver. One of many reasons why the VS broadcast was superior. As I said, I'm referring to the ESPN crew (including Reid). 2006-2008 seasons were terrible in this regard. What we're seeing now is very similar to the ESPN 2006-2007 IRL seasons where they would be cutting to her car endlessly for no apparent reason.

[slorydn1]

No, on Versus they did not bring her up very often, no more so than any other driver. One of many reasons why the VS broadcast was superior. As I said, I'm referring to the ESPN crew (including Reid). 2006-2008 seasons were terrible in this regard. What we're seeing now is very similar to the ESPN 2006-2007 IRL seasons where they would be cutting to her car endlessly for no apparent reason.

I do remember the Indy 500,don't remember which year,I think it was the one that ended in a rainstorm a few year back and she was close to taking the lead and you would have that she was the second coming of Rick Mears or something,I do remember that. I wasn't just talking about the Versus part of the season. I watched from Homestead all the way to the last race before they got pulled off the air,so I saw both DSPN and Versus. Like I said, I may not have been close enough attention, no where near as close as I am during a Nascar race or F1 race,because I don't have a clear fav in the field like I do when watching those 2 series.

Yes the Versus coverage was way superior to DSPN's for one big reason: Bob Jenkins

[71Fan]

ahhh gee....the ol fender no fender issue....stock car racing was born of crunching each others cars and it will only survive if this continues.

meanwhile again, I thought it was a great race from start to finish. And I give ESPN cudos for their coverage. They showed a whole lot of mid-pack racing, and cut "to the pass" no matter where it was quite a few times.

As for the Danicamania.....move over Junior. The girl is out to get to get you. Would not be surprised if sales of Danica stuff comes close to knocking him off his perch this year.

[harvick#1]

As for the Danicamania.....move over Junior. The girl is out to get to get you. Would not be surprised if sales of Danica stuff comes close to knocking him off his perch this year.

and does anyone care???

does that make your life so much more better since her sales are up.

much like how when a sports team wins a championship, do you get a ring also, no you don't, people got to stop being like sports are their life and merch sales mean so much. I don't remember the last time I bought a nascar shirt or cap, I bought a event tee-shirt at Petit, but that was for all the drivers to sign it. I'm not gonna pay 30 bucks for a hat or a shirt or 100 for a pit shirt

[71Fan]

Well sure it does. When money moves it makes all our lives better.

What I've done over the years is collect checkered flags (ones that I've bought) that I've had drivers sign. Got the 8th one almost filled up.

[Sparky1329]

Ok, back to the real racing. A couple young drivers were very impressive and didn't get much press. Kelly Bires, Brian Scott, Trevor Bayne, James Buescher, Scott Lagasse Jr., and Michael Annett all had good drives. These drivers are the real future of NASCAR. They are young and will only get better with experience. It is good to see them in quality equipment and showing what they can do. In particular, Brian Scott looked very good as he ran with or in front of his more experienced teammate Brian Vickers.

The Sprint Cup drivers running Nationwide series this year may find of these young guns a bit tougher than expected.

They are very good. I've been watching thses kids in both the truck and East series and they are definitely the future of NASCAR.

[Mark in Oshawa]

and its basically taking a seat away from an up and comer but can't get the ride because Danica is higher priority,

Jr is a joke of an owner for making this move, Danica does not have what it takes for Nascar, hell even ARCA. Dario failed so fast and so did all the other open wheel drivers except for the ones that can wheel any racecar.

go back and stay in the IRL Danica, your way better off, trust me, unless she enjoys running 30th everyweek in top equipment.

shes just logging laps, so thats her excuse this time for running piss poor and being lapped by the 18th lap

and before you say that I couldn't do it as well, yeah of course I can't I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth and got trained into racing when I was in kindergarten.

AS usual, you misunderstood the whole point of owning a race team. It is to make money enough to stay on the track. JR Motorsports has to make money at some point. They have 2 to 3 cars they can put on the track, but with funding for the full time ride hard to get, I suspect they are doing this for the money. How many people did Danica talk to before she got this ride? LOTS. The reality is Harv is JR Motorsports will be in the black from their cut of the action, and that makes Jr.a SMART businessman. If Danica pans out (which I wont believe until I see it) then he is REALLLY going to be rolling in it. If she fails, I suspect they are ahead of the game no matter what, and have now a better affiliation with Go Daddy regardless. They were driving the bus on this deal, since they had some associate sponsorship with JR for a few runs each year, and had Danica as their face. Go Daddy I suspect are the people writing larger checks than JR would have had if he didn't have Danica driving.

WE can think the worst or whatever or Danica, but any team owner needing to get some black ink on the books was going to jump on this if they could structure the right deal.

Ask Kelly Bires if he would be running a full season if it wasn't for all the GoDaddy money floating about the place....

[slorydn1]

AS usual, you misunderstood the whole point of owning a race team. It is to make money enough to stay on the track. JR Motorsports has to make money at some point. They have 2 to 3 cars they can put on the track, but with funding for the full time ride hard to get, I suspect they are doing this for the money. How many people did Danica talk to before she got this ride? LOTS. The reality is Harv is JR Motorsports will be in the black from their cut of the action, and that makes Jr.a SMART businessman. If Danica pans out (which I wont believe until I see it) then he is REALLLY going to be rolling in it. If she fails, I suspect they are ahead of the game no matter what, and have now a better affiliation with Go Daddy regardless. They were driving the bus on this deal, since they had some associate sponsorship with JR for a few runs each year, and had Danica as their face. Go Daddy I suspect are the people writing larger checks than JR would have had if he didn't have Danica driving.

WE can think the worst or whatever or Danica, but any team owner needing to get some black ink on the books was going to jump on this if they could structure the right deal.

Ask Kelly Bires if he would be running a full season if it wasn't for all the GoDaddy money floating about the place....


What can I say but Amen? Hit it right on the head for me. An analog to this would be John Wes Townley being in the 21 car. A known doo-doo-bird with zero talent who brought a sponsor with him. Good thing is, he's not pretty, so we arent getting HIM crammed down our throats. Hell, about the ONLY person who he beat on the track was Danica!

[Mark in Oshawa]

What can I say but Amen? Hit it right on the head for me. An analog to this would be John Wes Townley being in the 21 car. A known doo-doo-bird with zero talent who brought a sponsor with him. Good thing is, he's not pretty, so we arent getting HIM crammed down our throats. Hell, about the ONLY person who he beat on the track was Danica!

John Wes Townley is just needing to bring money because he is hell on racecars!!!

Danica has GoDaddy money, so as PT said on Wind Tunnell the other night, millions of dollars can make you faster in people's minds than you are...

[beachbum]

Every racing series has a few drivers who are there just because they bring money or have connections. In NASCAR, perhaps the most obvious who is never talked about is Eric McClure in Nationwide. He runs near the back, has good equipment, and always seems to have a solid sponsor. He is also apparently well liked and never causes a problem for anyone, so you don't hear about him. He is a steady driver who hangs around and collects points and has been getting better every year. His best finish ever in Nationwide after 7 seasons was 15th.

I don't have a problem with the Eric McClures of racing. He is living a dream.

[71Fan]

Here's the deal folks.....

You don't learn to hit a 97mph fastball by having somebody throw you 50mph curves. The only way to learn to race a 4000lb stocker is to race a 4000lb stocker. And, if you want to learn your lessons well you've got to have teachers that can whip snot on you.

It's the same reason some Nationwide guys don't mind the Cupsters.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Here's the deal folks.....

You don't learn to hit a 97mph fastball by having somebody throw you 50mph curves. The only way to learn to race a 4000lb stocker is to race a 4000lb stocker. And, if you want to learn your lessons well you've got to have teachers that can whip snot on you.

It's the same reason some Nationwide guys don't mind the Cupsters.

The problem with Danica that has people wound up is there is a constinuency that cant understand how she got her IRL ride, much less her NASCAR ride. I agree you learn to drive stock cars by driving them, but I will also tell you Scott Speed spent a year in ARCA and Truck before moving up to Cup. Dario didn't...and the higher levels of NASCAR, mainly Nationwide and Cup are NOT the place to learn and Dario found it really tough. Dario can run circles around Danica, so I guess one must think Dario failed where Danica will succeed? I don't think so...

[slorydn1]

Every racing series has a few drivers who are there just because they bring money or have connections. In NASCAR, perhaps the most obvious who is never talked about is Eric McClure in Nationwide. He runs near the back, has good equipment, and always seems to have a solid sponsor. He is also apparently well liked and never causes a problem for anyone, so you don't hear about him. He is a steady driver who hangs around and collects points and has been getting better every year. His best finish ever in Nationwide after 7 seasons was 15th.

I don't have a problem with the Eric McClures of racing. He is living a dream.

:up:

I agree. When have you ever heard one of the drivers in their post race interview dog McClure for getting in the way, being the proverbial "dart withut feathers" ? He races with respect, mindful that he really can't keep up with the leaders. He displays very good "track presence", he always knows where he is on the track in relation to everyone else, only races those he can race.

My brother and I have a saying about Townley: The only sure things in life are death, taxes, and a caution flag for a John Wes Townley wreck.

[damg75]

:up:

I agree. When have you ever heard one of the drivers in their post race interview dog McClure for getting in the way, being the proverbial "dart withut feathers" ? He races with respect, mindful that he really can't keep up with the leaders. He displays very good "track presence", he always knows where he is on the track in relation to everyone else, only races those he can race.

My brother and I have a saying about Townley: The only sure things in life are death, taxes, and a caution flag for a John Wes Townley wreck.
My nickname for him as you well know is "John Was Crashing", which he MORE than earned based on last year's results, and has yet to impress in the RCR #21, although it IS still early.

[71Fan]

No Mark, I can't say that Dario failed where Danica suceeded. Dario ran 2 ARCA races, 1 Truck race, and 18 Busch races before he tried Cup.

What I can say is that Danica is who Danica is, and that my personal opinion is that considering the difference in cars, Trucks and Busch are a waste of time for any accomplished driver. And while she may not be very accomplished, she is an accomplished driver.

[harvick#1]

an accomplished driver is a driver who accomplished something. Danica has not done anything worth an accomplishment, she won on a fuel milage race, thats like Derrike Copes undeserving Daytona 500 victory. she may have been the first female to lead at Indy, but she first took the lead by staying on the track while all the leaders pitted, Sarah Fisher could've easily done that, but she wanted to do it the honest way, the racing way.

Danica thinks in her mind shes accomplished, but for her saying she was ready for the Sprint Cup Series was an utter joke, she cant even run with the backmarkers in the nationwide series in a winning team. just wait until she has to race at more tactical race tracks, that actually require her to use the brake pedal, I think shes scheduled to race at Dover, that is gonna be scary for the 42 others that have to race with her, but I honestly think she wont last long at that track.

[Easy Drifter]

Danica drives a race car fairly well especially if someone has set it up to her liking.
But she is not a racer. She drives a race car not races it.
There is quite a difference.

[slorydn1]

an accomplished driver is a driver who accomplished something. Danica has not done anything worth an accomplishment, she won on a fuel milage race, thats like Derrike Copes undeserving Daytona 500 victory. she may have been the first female to lead at Indy, but she first took the lead by staying on the track while all the leaders pitted, Sarah Fisher could've easily done that, but she wanted to do it the honest way, the racing way.

Danica thinks in her mind shes accomplished, but for her saying she was ready for the Sprint Cup Series was an utter joke, she cant even run with the backmarkers in the nationwide series in a winning team. just wait until she has to race at more tactical race tracks, that actually require her to use the brake pedal, I think shes scheduled to race at Dover, that is gonna be scary for the 42 others that have to race with her, but I honestly think she wont last long at that track.

:up: Yep, Dover.....the SELF CLEANING race track. We should be cleaned up of any Danica talk by lap 3 :cool: :D :s mokin: :beer:

[71Fan]

Every driver who ever been on track in whatever series deserves to be there. And every driver who has ever won a race no matter what the circumstances deserved the win.

As always, your opinions and mileage may vary.

[TURN3]

Every driver who ever been on track in whatever series deserves to be there. And every driver who has ever won a race no matter what the circumstances deserved the win.

That is one of the most ignorant thoughts I've ever seen in print.

[Lee Roy]

. . . . like Derrike Copes undeserving Daytona 500 victory.

Undeserving?? How so??

[71Fan]

That is one of the most ignorant thoughts I've ever seen in print.

Really? Well aren't just glad I didn't say bananas?

[TURN3]

Really? Well aren't just glad I didn't say bananas?

Well think, I mean actually think if you're capable, for a minute. You are essentially saying that what one gets, one deserves without regard for circumstances. So if you win the lottery...are you saying you "deserve" that? Are you saying a wrongly convicted felon "deserved" 30 years in a prison before DNA evidence sets him free? Are you saying victims of natural disaster "deserve" to lose their homes and families? Don't be stupid. Circumstances surrounding any event determine if somebody deserves what they get. Danica's only professional win at any level was equivalent to winning the lottery...everybody else ran out of fuel. Her crew made the calls that put her in the position. Milka Duno led more laps that season that Danica did...did she "deserve" more credit? What did she "deserve"? Enlighten me? Here's a good one for you, mentioned above is reference to Danica's laps led at Indy (which ultimately won her celebrity status). How did she get there? Yep pit stop sequence. A Pit stop that ultimately left her short on fuel to finish the race at max power. Why was she on that pit sequence? Because she had crashed all on her own during a restart and took several other cars out...some the were in contention for a win. So break that down and tell me who "deserved" what in that chain of events.

[71Fan]

Well think, I mean actually think if you're capable, for a minute. .

Is that the best you can do?....sigh....

[TURN3]

Is that the best you can do?....sigh....

No answer to the actual point so looks like the best I can do is be absolutely correct...ehhh? Maybe I was unfair by suggesting a minute...take 5 and see if anything comes to mind.

[harvick#1]

No answer to the actual point so looks like the best I can do is be absolutely correct...ehhh? Maybe I was unfair by suggesting a minute...take 5 and see if anything comes to mind.

some people just can't admit defeat :)

[71Fan]

I can see that civil conversations with you are not possible at this time. Turn 3.

[71Fan]

some people just can't admit defeat :)

Had no idea there was a contest going on. I thought the games section was over there.

[TURN3]

I can see that civil conversations with you are not possible at this time. Turn 3.

What isn't civil about our posts? Fact is you made some ludicrous statements that you cannot begin to back up. I simply use facts and analogy to clarify why my point is correct and yours is not. If you can back up your opinions with some sort of logic then please do...that is what the forums are for.

[slorydn1]

I can see that civil conversations with you are not possible at this time. Turn 3.

71fan, no one here is saying that you can't have your opinions. As you stated yourself many times, "your opinions and mileage may vary."

However, don't get pissed when someone shoots down your opinion with facts and figures; bring some of your own and get even.

I probably shouldn't called our Harvick argument a fight,that was an unfortunate choice of words. That was a spirited debate,and was enjoyable for a while.

But when you make a statement that most would view as preposterous then ya gotta be ready for the hailstorm that comes afterwards.

I know a lot of people here don't agree with me about a lot of things, and then they bring the facts and figures to prove why I am wrong, and Im cool with that...In fact, I Love that! (especilally when I can bring some of my own back to refute what they say). Sometimes I can't, and the subject gets dropped and we move on.

I guess what I am saying in a long winded manner is, It's time to move on. :s mokin:

[harvick#1]

Had no idea there was a contest going on. I thought the games section was over there.

he answered your questions, and you had to give him a snappy come back.

what are you expecting, another pleasant and genuine response?? no, it gets old fast. we are 2 weeks in and its all been Danica this, Danica that. wow, she finished 31st, give her a trophy, as long as Danica sticks with the IRL, she have -100% of being competitive in Nascar, and she really only have about a 5% chance if she did run full time.

every time a godaddy commercial comes on, its almost sounds more like a porn site than anything else. hmm, great exposure

[71Fan]

Gave HIM a snappy comeback? Perhaps you missed this: "Well think, I mean actually think if you're capable, for a minute."

Meanwhile.....

" We admit no ideas that do not confirm us, hear no voices that do not echo us, sift out all information that does not validate what we wish to believe." Lenoard Pitts Jr.

[71Fan]

slo.....

Got no problem with folks who at least TRY to keep it civil, but when I am attacked as I was, I simply try my best to move on as you put it.

[TURN3]

slo.....

Got no problem with folks who at least TRY to keep it civil, but when I am attacked as I was, I simply try my best to move on as you put it.

It wasn't an attack so don't be afraid. I merely was stimulating your mind because in my opinion you weren't using it with respect to the comments you had made prior.