NBS Mexico Thread

[RaikkonenRules]

Scott Pruett on pole for today's race from Carls Conteras and Jaun Pablo Montoya. Who will win today?

[harvick#1]

Ron Fellows :D

the race will be on at 1 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN2 and on ESPN360.com for live streaming video

[f1rocks]

All. Is there a live leader board for today's race at Nascar.com. Can anyone tell me how to launch the free live timings thing..

[RaceFanStan]

http://www.nascar.com/news/
click on LIVE Leaderboard
You may need the latest Java update
The race is to go green @ 2:00 PM ET

[f1rocks]

http://www.nascar.com/news/
click on LIVE Leaderboard
You may need the latest Java update
The race is to go green @ 2:00 PM ET

Thanks a lot !! I also launched the window to watch this live on the net. But I dont know if we can pick and chose our own drivers. Is that also available for free...

[RaceFanStan]

I don't think anything else is free.
They will give you a taste but not the meal. ;)

[Jonesi]

During the commerials on ESPN2, I switched over to the Spanish language on ESPN. Can't tell what they are saying but the announcers seem like they are more knowledgably than ours ;-) It's odd seeing Montoya speaking spanish. ;-)

[harvick#1]

www.espn360.com (http://www.espn360.com)

has the race live, just scroll down and click on the Busch Series event.

if you can't watch the race on tv.

[Alexamateo]

Montoya Leads! :D

[f1rocks]

That was a brilliant move by Montoya. Plus credit to Scott to not take them both out. I think Montoya will do really well on road courses.... F1 experience helps a lot...

[veeten]

nice pass by Monty. :D

... is that race I hear over there cheering?... ;) :D

[El Sween]

Great move. Risky but a great move

[Jonesi]

Montoya Leads! :D
It's a good thing he made the pass on a more mature Pruiett. 5-20 years ago, both of them would be out of the race by now. I suppose it helps that he's a teammate too ;-)

[Jonesi]

Great move. Risky but a great move
Incredibly risky if you know Pruett's history.

[El Sween]

I sure do lol

[veeten]

Great move. Risky but a great move

somebody want to playback that video of the '01 Brazillian GP, where he pulled that move on Schumacher as an 'opening salvo' to Formula 1. ;) :D

nothing new here... ;) :D

[e2mtt]

JPM running the fastest laps consistantly.

[f1rocks]

These road courses are so much more exciting. Why do they race on these boring ovals. This is the real deal guys.......So much more excitement while passing someone......

[Jonesi]

35mph pit speed! That's got to be the slowest in Nascar. Someone's race is going to go to h3!! when they miss it by a bit.

[El Sween]

somebody want to playback that video of the '01 Brazillian GP, where he pulled that move on Schumacher as an 'opening salvo' to Formula 1. ;) :D

nothing new here... ;) :D


Those were the days

[veeten]

for the same reason that while it would be interesting if F1 cars ran at Lausitzring, Rockingham or Motegi during a season, you wouldn't force them to do the entire season on them.

Two different types of motorsport from two entirely different backgrounds, and either one should not be forced to do so. :)

[e2mtt]

These road courses are so much more exciting. Why do they race on these boring ovals. This is the real deal guys.......So much more excitement while passing someone......

Agreed, and wait until you see them going around Watkins Glen!!! (Beautiful track, lots of smooth open turns, and hills!)

[harvick#1]

wow, Montoya will have about a 12 second lead over Pruett when he gets back to the lead

[f1rocks]

wow, Montoya will have about a 12 second lead over Pruett when he gets back to the lead

He is schooling the rest of the field on road courses. Lets hope he does not do mistakes and preserves the car. He has driven superbly first 20 laps and made a breath taking pass for the lead.....

[harvick#1]

Ganassi has had great cars for road courses, but this should be expected from Montoya since he did this his whole career

[harvick#1]

yellow, full course.

once again Nascar has no clue how to run Temp cautions

[f1rocks]

why the hell do they need a caution now. This has wiped Juan's lead. What a silly rule.....

[harvick#1]

one driver spun in the grass. car #98

Nascar has itchy trigger fingers when it comes to Cautions

[race aficionado]

yep, and ruin the advantage Juan had over his team mate - woops, I just saw Pruits (sp?) bumped car

[El Sween]

You know Juan could win a few races this season. What with races at Watkins Glen, Montreal and Sonoma still to come. He is running very well no matter what happens

[Jonesi]

yellow, full course.

once again Nascar has no clue how to run Temp cautions

They know how, they just don't want them.

[f1rocks]

so somoene spins and they go on a yellow. That is just so freakin insane. The car was not even blocking the track or somethin. This is why some people hate Nascar....

[Jonesi]

so somoene spins and they go on a yellow. That is just so freakin insane. The car was not even blocking the track or somethin. This is why some people hate Nascar....

Let's put this in perspective. It's also the reason millions love Nascar and have little interest in F1.

[f1rocks]

Let's put this in perspective. It's also the reason millions love Nascar and have little interest in F1.

Well if millions love Nascar, then billions love F1. But I am not trying to compare the 2 sports. I think it is extremely unfair to the leader who has 12 plus seconds lead that they throw a caution when it is not even needed....They should probably just throw lots and decide the winner then....

Anyway back to the race....

[race aficionado]

Let's put this in perspective. It's also the reason millions love Nascar and have little interest in F1.

just curious, you mean to say you love nascar because they have this particular application to the rule?

[Jonesi]

just curious, you mean to say you love nascar because they have this particular application to the rule?

I didn't say "I" love Nascar for that, but a lot of people do. I do acknowledge that by being quick on the trigger to go full course yellow, they increase the wheel to wheel racing that the fans love. Nascar is far from going broke by doing so.
I don't understand the F1 fanantic view that a driver who builds up a 30 second lead is being robbed if it goes away. Knowing the race series rules, I think any driver who strains his car for more than a 5 second lead is not racing smart.

[DonnieDarco]

I really hope someone posts that Pruett pass on youtube :D

[race aficionado]

I didn't say "I" love Nascar for that, but a lot of people do. I do acknowledge that by being quick on the trigger to go full course yellow, they increase the wheel to wheel racing that the fans love. Nascar is far from going broke by doing so.
I don't understand the F1 fanantic view that a driver who builds up a 30 second lead is being robbed if it goes away. Knowing the race series rules, I think any driver who strains his car for more than a 5 second lead is not racing smart.
i respect your opinion. :)

[f1rocks]

Damn. Juan's pit crew have messed up his race again. It looks like they have filled him short. He doesnt deserve this today......

[race aficionado]

that sucks big way :mad:
understatement of the day.

I wonder how that can happen?

[El Sween]

Well thats blown it

[f1rocks]

that sucks big way :mad:
understatement of the day.

I wonder how that can happen?


Race. I am equally disappointed like you. I dont know where he will end up. But on the good side we will see him charging like a lion and overtaking the other guys....

[RaceFanStan]

WANTED : Catch Can Man
Apply @ Chip Ganassi Racing
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif

[e2mtt]

caution now, may help him, but he will have to pass about 20 cars on the feild. We have seen Robby Gordon make charges like this, lets see Montoya go!

[f1rocks]

Well atleast we got a caution. I dont know if this will help Juan....I HOPE IT DOES. Go Juan Go....

[race aficionado]

a little piece of something missing on the gas thinimajigy.

but also a caution is going to help him but he still has to come from behind.

go Juan!!!!! GO!!!!!!!

[Alexamateo]

Well it should be fun to watch, at least.

[e2mtt]

21st. Time to GO!!!

[f1rocks]

Why are we not on board with Juan. This is just boring watching the leaders...We need to see Car 42....

[veeten]

up to 12th. :)

[race aficionado]

he's 12 th now . . .

[f1rocks]

If it was not for Montoya, this race would have been complete borefest.....

[DonnieDarco]

He's on a charge though, apparently :D

[race aficionado]

19th to 9th . . .

. . . and fresher tyres . . . .

and pissed off. :D

he's being interviewed now . . .
great attitude as usuall.

he's not going to give up.

go Juan!!!

[veeten]

another caution, #12 spun ... Big help for Montoya & Pruett..

Monty 9th, Ambrose 6th.

[e2mtt]

speaking of borefest... Montoya has moved from 21st to 9th, and ESPN has managed to show us ONE pass. Pathetic.

[Schultz]

Exciting drive by JPM. Also great to see Ambrose sitting there in 6th :)

[f1rocks]

19th t0 9th . . .

Terrific..... Now it will be harder to pass these guys. But he will give it his all. He should just go for it. It does not matter if he crashes. Go for the win and not the points Juan.....

[f1rocks]

speaking of borefest... Montoya has moved from 21st to 9th, and ESPN has managed to show us ONE pass. Pathetic.

Yes really pathetic indeed. JPM also has onboard coverage. Still they dont show him. Even the leaderboard is not so good. They need to improve this and have MORE ROADCOURSES....This is exciting.....

[Jonesi]

19th to 9th . . .

. . . and fresher tyres . . . .

and pissed off. :D

he's being interviewed now . . .
great attitude as usuall.

he's not going to give up.

go Juan!!!

He's probably having more fun now than he had all of last year in F1.

[Jonesi]

They've been showing his in car on ESPN.

[race aficionado]

2 spots in turn 1!!!!

[Jonesi]

I'm surprised to see Hamlin stay in the front group all day.

[race aficionado]

and another one!

[veeten]

dude is working it!! :D

[DonnieDarco]

He's the man :D

[veeten]

couple of spinners... yellow flag.

[f1rocks]

Wow. Absolutely stunning. I am beginning to regret why he ever left F1. He is just too amazing today. What brilliant passes. It looks like all the other drivers are **** scared of seeing the 42 lurking behind them.....

[e2mtt]

He's probably having more fun now than he had all of last year in F1.

OK Jonesi... we get it. You don't like F1, you like NASCAR.

NOW we get to see some passes. SUWEEEEEET!!!!

[El Sween]

What a drive

[veeten]

... kinda makes you look foward to Infineon & The Glen, eh race?. :D

especially with him, Gordon and Stewart going at it. :D :up:

[Jonesi]

Should be about 13 laps to go when they go green. Said has been patient all race. I expect him to make a move on Hamlin this time.

[race aficionado]

Juan humbly acknowledges that he's been given space on his wild run for the front.
He now knows that the guys in front will be harder cookies to crumble but he's on a mission to make it till the end in one piece and hopefully in front.
Go Juan!

[e2mtt]

Looking forward to seeing him fight Said. If you recall, last year he punted both Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon off, when they tried to pass him roughly.

[Jonesi]

OK Jonesi... we get it. You don't like F1, you like NASCAR.

NOW we get to see some passes. SUWEEEEEET!!!!

No I was a big fan of F1, I just don't like the direction it took the last 15 years or so. (I can enjoy many types of motorsports, and I don't want them to be the same.)

[veeten]

OK Jonesi... we get it. You don't like F1, you like NASCAR.

NOW we get to see some passes. SUWEEEEEET!!!!

I think that it wasn't the racing last season, just the politics and crap that was going on. A lot of it soured on him, and I don't blame him for leaving. :o

It's loads more fun when it's you, the car, and other drivers and that's it. :cool:

[race aficionado]

woooh!!!!!!

[e2mtt]

aww. more cautions. Better restart them quick.

[race aficionado]

passes two more and caution again.
What a great pass the last one was!

[f1rocks]

The stupid caution out again. Cant JPM just get 3 straight laps for pete's sake.... He just needs 3 laps and I bet you he will make it to the front again....

[harvick#1]

this should be good, Pruett, Said, Montoya.

should be exciting going into turn 1 :D

[f1rocks]

Darn it. THey are taking forever to start racing again. This really sucks. Pace car needs to come in RIGHT NOW.....

[Jonesi]

this should be good, Pruett, Said, Montoya.

should be exciting going into turn 1 :D

Yes, exciting AND expensive for Ganassi ;-)

[e2mtt]

nuthin to taking Said.

[race aficionado]

second!!!!!

[e2mtt]

time to relax actually

[veeten]

like that restart, folks? :D

[e2mtt]

oh dang. Pruett tried to close the door, it didnt' work.

[veeten]

kinda hard, but both know that they were fighting for that corner.

[harvick#1]

Montoya spun Pruett :eek:

[f1rocks]

This is not JPM fault. Pruett was shutting the door.....

[e2mtt]

wonder if JPM gets a black flag?

Pruett chopped him. Hmmm.

[El Sween]

Oh dear that was rash

[Jonesi]

Ok show of hands who DIDN'T see that one coming? ;-)

[harvick#1]

Montoya tried it too early. the inexprience cost Ganassi a 1-2 finish

[race aficionado]

not his fault, but a bad situation indeed.

monday night quarterbacking will take charge now.

[El Sween]

Juan really messed up that was silly

[harvick#1]

wonder if JPM gets a black flag?

Pruett chopped him. Hmmm.

Pruett turned into the corner, Montoya appeared to drive it in way too deep,

but thats racin...

[race aficionado]

Juan was uunstoppaable and had a faster car, Pruett should have let him go through and take second

[veeten]

Ok show of hands who DIDN'T see that one coming? ;-)

:laugh: :laugh: hard racin'... standard with every NASCAR race. ;) :p :D

[Alexamateo]

This race makes me understand why some love Montoya, and why some hate him. :D :D :D

[f1rocks]

Why will they give him a black flag. That will only happen if they complaint. I dont think they will do that...

Damn the replay makes me think like JPM overdid it. This really sux.....

[race aficionado]

that's racin' and that's what Juan does. Just ask the other 18 cars that hhe passed on his way to te top.

[gm99]

I really enjoyed the race so far - almost felt like CART in '99 again, with JPM racing Pruett, Fernandez, Jourdain Jr & PJ.

This, however, was just one dumb-headed move - Pruett had already committed to the corner and JPM was coming from way back. There was no way he was going to make that pass stick...

[dont_be_jack]

I think Montoya had the spot and Pruett cut in too deep in that turn. Pruett should've let him go.

[El Sween]

I love Juan but he really messed up and it was not fair on Pruett

[harvick#1]

Montoya had plenty of time... that was a bonehead move by Juan to try it that early

[dont_be_jack]

Montoya had plenty of time... that was a bonehead move by Juan to try it that early

He might've had plenty of time but are you going to make a move when you can or are you going to hold off? I'm making moves the first time I see them.

[harvick#1]

I think Montoya had the spot and Pruett cut in too deep in that turn. Pruett should've let him go.

looking at the in-car of Montoya, Pruett did nothing wrong and went into the turn 1 fine. Montoya drove it in way too deep

[race aficionado]

Why will they give him a black flag. That will only happen if they complaint. I dont think they will do that...

Damn the replay makes me think like JPM overdid it. This really sux.....

yeah it sucks but seeing the replay you just see again how Juan's car was so much faster and Pruett just closed the door to a car that was obviously going to him on the inside.

bummer

[harvick#1]

He might've had plenty of time but are you going to make a move when you can or are you going to hold off? I'm making moves the first time I see them.

Hamlin was not even close to them, so there was no pressure from 3rd. if he followed Pruett for one more lap, get right to the back bumper and pass him the right way in turn 1 instead of spinning him out.

[dont_be_jack]

looking at the in-car of Montoya, Pruett did nothing wrong and went into the turn 1 fine. Montoya drove it in way too deep

There's no right way to move in when a guy is passing you. If Pruett hadn't cut in on Montoya like that he would've had the line through 2 and 3. Montoya was making a move while he could and Pruett should've adapted.

[f1rocks]

Montoya had plenty of time... that was a bonehead move by Juan to try it that early

I Really enjoyed this drive by Jpm. But sadly this is what he did sometimes in F1. He has such great talent but he just gets too impatient. When it works it looks great. At other times it makes him really bad..

But I am not going to bash him. He is the only reason why I am even watching this race. Otherwise it was just a crappy race to be honest..I just hope they dont penalize him.. Its just too bad and these things happen in racing.

Also lets not forget that his team messed up his race in the first place. He deserves to win it anyway..

[race aficionado]

He might've had plenty of time but are you going to make a move when you can or are you going to hold off? I'm making moves the first time I see them.


i'm with you dbj.

wait for what? If the door is there take it. Juan was probably also hoping that his TEAM MATE couuld see that Juan was indeed way faster than him and with adrenaline going at a zillion!

[dont_be_jack]

Hamlin was not even close to them, so there was no pressure from 3rd. if he followed Pruett for one more lap, get right to the back bumper and pass him the right way in turn 1 instead of spinning him out.

He was passing him the right way. Pruett should've made a change in his line. He was still going to have the line for the next two turns.

[harvick#1]

it appears Nascar is claiming it as a racing incident and will not black flag him... but Ganassi is not to happy

[veeten]

5 to go. :)

[e2mtt]

Intersting.... unlike some of my other favorite drivers, JPM stays way off of the kerbs. Hamlin is still chasing hard.

[Jonesi]

it appears Nascar is claiming it as a racing incident and will not black flag him... but Ganassi is not to happy

Chip might not be too happy it happened, but a penalty is the last thing he wants.

[jordanf1]

wow, there are a LOT of people on here who dont have a clue. i was rooting for montoya all the way, as i am only really an f1 fan. i know the f1 fraternaty is watching, and i was trying to think about their take on montoyas performance...coming from 20-something to 2nd is no small feat of course. it either shows the brilliance of montoya or the lack-thereof of the rest of the busch field. of course it could possibly be that the ganassi team is just far superior on this track too. in any event, what DID transpire is a bone-head move that dashed all the previous heroics. he's fun to watch, but you just cant take out a team-mate. i sure thought there would be more people with enough rudimetary racing knowledge to understand this.

edit:

I think Montoya had the spot and Pruett cut in too deep in that turn. Pruett should've let him go.
LOL and :rolleyes:

[veeten]

another spinner, right in front of Pruett.

Last lap fireworks, comming up. :D

[e2mtt]

He was passing him the right way. Pruett should've made a change in his line. He was still going to have the line for the next two turns.

Agree. Montoya had the bottom line, Pruett countered much too late. The correct counter, as I see it, should have been to stay outside and take advantage of being on the inside of the next 2 turns.

[race aficionado]

Chip might not be too happy it happened, but a penalty is the last thing he wants.


At the end of the day Chip will be the happiest of all.

With all the publicity and air time that he is getting - and his latest investment coming in on top - he is a winner.

And yes, juan et all will learn from this one.

[Garry Walker]

LOL @ Montoya. What a stupid move, he just cant control himself can he?

[Garry Walker]

And yes, juan et all will learn from this one.

Montoya has made moves like that for ever, he has never learnt from it. Lets just face it - he is a hothead who loses his head too often.

[Jonesi]

wow, there are a LOT of people on here who dont have a clue. i was rooting for montoya all the way, as i am only really an f1 fan. i know the f1 fraternaty is watching, and i was trying to think about their take on montoyas performance...coming from 20-something to 2nd is no small feat of course. it either shows the brilliance of montoya or the lack-thereof of the rest of the busch field. of course it could possibly just be that the ganassi team is just far superior on this track too. in any event, what DID transpire is a bone-head move that dashed all the previous heroics. he's fun to watch, but you just cant take out a team-mate. i sure thought there would be more people with enough rudimetary racing knowledge to understand this.

edit:

LOL and :rolleyes:

The standard concept that: "The overtaking driver is responsible to make the pass safely" is something that's never been fully embraced in Nascar.

[dont_be_jack]

Yes, because we all know that in F1 you never want to wreck your teammate and you let him pass you without any issues because of team order. There's less than 10 laps - teammates don't matter anymore. You're racing for the win, screw your teammates. Race them, don't let them by like they do in F1.

[jordanf1]

cant wait for post-race interviews...

[e2mtt]

oh stupid caution.

Hamlin is pushing hard though. quite the last lap.

[race aficionado]

Montoya has made moves like that for ever, he has never learnt from it. Lets just face it - he is a hothead who loses his head too often.

well, well. . . . mr. walker is back . . . and to see his fave racer win his first Bush race.

good timing garry! :D

[jordanf1]

...teammates don't matter anymore. You're racing for the win, screw your teammates.
apparently the team owner doesnt agree with you.

...of course maybe you are roger penske in disguise, and know more than him.

[veeten]

Hamlin ain't backing off ... making a race of it.

Green-White-Checker coming up... :D

[harvick#1]

Hamlin is still gonna make it tough for Montoya,

I'm gonna say Said is gonna win as Hamlin will get in the back on Montoya :p :

[Knocker69]

These yellows are getting ridiculous

[Garry Walker]

well, well. . . . mr. walker is back . . . and to see his fave racer win his first Bush race.

good timing garry! :D

I was actually pulling for Montoya to teach those stupid nascar/busch drivers a lesson, but once again he ruined it all with an incredibly stupid move.

[e2mtt]

Hamlin is still gonna make it tough for Montoya,

I'm gonna say Said is gonna win as Hamlin will get in the back on Montoya :p :

Oh that would not be good. Worst finish since Vickers wrecking Jr. & JJ.

[veeten]

oh stupid caution.

not if you saw those parts laying on the front straight. :o


Hamlin is pushing hard though. quite the last lap.

Last year's winner, why not? ;)

[dont_be_jack]

apparently the team owner doesnt agree with you.

...of course maybe you are roger penske in disguise, and know more than him.

You did hear Felix, right? He's the co-owner of Ganassi Racing and he even said that they do have team order to not wreck each other but they understand that once those helmets are on, things get forgotten and different rules apply.

[e2mtt]

Teh Winnar

[veeten]

How does it feel, race? :D :D

[jordanf1]

perfect words from parrott...

[e2mtt]

Ooo, you're not supposed to stand on the roof.

[jordanf1]

dont be jack, your comments are retarded.

[jordanf1]

pruitt is a class guy.

montoya better say the exact same things as parrott.

[race aficionado]

Boy, Pruett is pissed and downright upset with Juan.

Bad driving he calls it. let's see once he sees the replay.

cool heads will prevail tomorow.

[dont_be_jack]

dont be jack, your comments are retarded.

Can you give me some reasons why my thinking is wrong and not resort to childish name-calling? I've proven my point thus far. All you've done is complain and make comparisons between NASCAR and F1, which is like apples and bananas.

[f1rocks]

Brilliant job by Montoya. He definitely schooled these Nascar drivers on a road course.

Scott seems upset but I think it will be more classy from him to not show outbursts to the press. Its better to do it behind closed doors..This will give the team negative publicity and Chip wont like it..

[Garry Walker]

Boy, Pruett is pissed and downright upset with Juan.

Bad driving he calls it. let's see once he sees the replay.

cool heads will prevail tomorow.

And it was very bad driving by JPM. He didnt need to go for a non-existant gap at all, he had newer tyres and more pace than a nobody like Pruett. Instead of looking like a hero, he made himself look like an idiot.

[race aficionado]

How does it feel, race? :D :D

feels wonderfull vee.

pitty the incident but after the dust settles, all will be well with the team and the teammates

:s mokin:

[race aficionado]

Juan is very sorry for the incident but does not say it was his mistake.

bummer racing incident for sure



racing incident


simple

[ghostdancing]

Looking at the facts

Montoya was selfish, unprofessional and junvenille.

Whether the other guy is a teamate or not, you don't run into the guy to get past, which is what he did. Even Juan's crew chief was clearly embarrassed.

Well done to Pruett for finshing 5th from the back of the field with just a handful of laps left.

If this is what Montoya is about, I do not want him in NASCAR.

[El Sween]

Really pleased for Juan. Glad he has his first win in the bag. Feel sorry for Pruett though.

[harvick#1]

Brilliant job by Montoya. He definitely schooled these Nascar drivers on a road course.

Scott seems upset but I think it will be more classy from him to not show outbursts to the press. Its better to do it behind closed doors..This will give the team negative publicity and Chip wont like it..

just remember the Gordons, Stewart, Harvick, Busch did not race in the event ;)

but every driver would be pissed to be leading the event with 9 to go only to be taken out by your teammate of all people.

[jordanf1]

dont be jack, i have no way of arguing with you because both you and juan were in the same dream world when the meetings that scott, chip, felix (not to mention every other team in motorsports) talked about were happening. just cease now, and dont show us any more glaring reasons for those rookie stripes on your ass.

[Jonesi]

I feel for Pruett, but he's been on the other end of similar incidents a time or six.

[veeten]

if anything else, it makes the rest of the season interesting.

next stop, Las Vegas. :D

[AJP]

They are as bad as each other...

Juan should not have tagged him,

but Pruett should certainly not have retaliated after the race had finished by ramming Montoya...

Well done to Juan for the Win....

they will all calm down soon...

[F1boat]

So Montoya win pushing his teammate?
This guy is amazing. Congrats to him, though ;)

[dont_be_jack]

dont be jack, i have no way of arguing with you because both you and juan were in the same dream world when the meetings that scott, chip, felix (not to mention every other team in motorsports) talked about were happening. just cease now, and dont show us any more glaring reasons for those rookie stripes on your ass.

Sounds like you don't have much of an argument and you can't help but realize that. Maybe you should realize that you're an F1 fan and that NASCAR is a totally different racing atmosphere than that "gentleman" racing.

[e2mtt]

Now I just want to see JPM run versus Stewart, Gordon, Gordon, Harvick, & Company.

He really did outclass the rest of the field badly today.

I think his explanation of the Pruett incident sounded about right... any way its just racing.

[ghostdancing]

LETS HAVE A POLL

With a question like, 'Mexico, was Juan a winner or a twat ?'

Think I will let someone else set it up !

Otherwise, good race.

NOTE, where the hell did Rusty Wallace 'Mr-comb-over' get all that hair from, or is it studio lighting ?

[truefan72]

congrats to Montoya, pruett has no argument here. He saw JPM coming and taking the inside line he tried to slam the door closed on him thinking JPM would hard brake, but he lost. He should have conceeded the spot, tried to tail him and look for his chances in restarts just like Hamlin did. There was no way that he was going to keep JPM behind him and this incident just gives a convenient excuse. As for all those out there that deplore Montoya's actions ( or go on and on about it like Rusty Wallace on ESPN2) then I simply ask them to look at tapes of all their previous events in the last year...nay...history and tell me if this even ranks in the top 100 of controversial race incidents. I strongly recall Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Harvick, Robby Gordon, Stewart, the Labonte's etc all in controversial road course incidents in the past few years. Not to mention the ovals!!!
Calling his win tarnished like Rusty Wallace did, simply goes to show that he still isn't fully embraced by the NASCAR "establishment". Serving them a taste of their own medicine. A few more race victories should silence the critics :)

[jordanf1]

so, dont be jack, everyone in the world (except you and juan) agrees...not only agrees but vehemently preaches "dont take out your teammate"...and youre the one whos right? youre quite a fruit loop. ralf schumacher missed out on a first race win because of this, paul tracy got into a physical fight with his own team owner because of this, and YOURE the one whos RIGHT?!

why will no one ever just admit it when they are obviously wrong? i have wasted enough of my time on you already. shame on me.

[DonnieDarco]

Montoya has made moves like that for ever, he has never learnt from it. Lets just face it - he is a hothead who loses his head too often.

Why are you even in here??? Oh, I know - to stir up the usual crap you always did in the F1 forum.

[Hoss Ghoul]

Those cautions at the end sure killed the flow of things...got ugly. NASCAR really needs to learn how to properly officiate a road course race, with more use of local yellows etc.

Good job by JPM, regardless of the contact with Pruett(for which JPM deserves the bulk of the blame) it cannot be overlooked that Montoya came from 19th to the lead in less than 25 laps.

[jordanf1]

tell me if this even ranks in the top 100 of controversial race incidents.
im sure it doesnt. you cant spell "NASCARash" with out "crash".

[DonnieDarco]

Congrats to Montoya, pruett has no argument here. He saw JPM coming and taking the inside line he tried to slam the door closed on him thinking JPM would hard brake but lost. He should have conceeded the spot, tried to tail him and look for his chances in restarts just like Hamlin did. There was no way that he was goiung to keep JPM behind him and this just gives a convenient excuse. As for all those out there that deplore Montoya's actions ( or go on and on about it like Rusty Wallace on ESPN2) then I simply ask them to look at tape of all their previous events in the last year...nay...history and tell me if this even ranks in the top 100 of controversial race incidents. I strongly recall Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Harvick, Robby Gordon, Stewart, the Labonte's etc all iin controversial road course incidents in the past few years. Not to mention the ovals!!!
Calling his win tarnished like Rusty Wallace did, simply goes to show that he still isn't truly embraced by the Nascar "establishment". Serving them a taste of their own medicine. A few more race victories should silence the critics :)

This is how I heard the incident too. I've yet to see it. But its true, JPM had already passed him once, and it was obvious he had the car to do it again. Its a real shame JPM's first win is slightly marred, but he'll have plenty of others.

I can see why people felt that JPM could wait, but given the amount of cautions, JPM had no way of knowing if he'd get another chance.

[ghostdancing]

you cant spell "NASCARash" with out "crash".

What ?

[Shifter]

disclaimer: -- F1 fan

My take? Pruett knew a pass in turn 1 was a definate possibility, but unlike the pass at the start of the race, Montoya was much farther back. Pruett was watching him in the mirrors, but at some point he has to make the call that Montoya was too far back to make the pass. Eyes off the mirrors and drive the corner. Therefore, he was on the edge of adhesion going in because he's not expecting to have to leave room on the inside. Some are saying that Pruett should have changed his line when Montoya dive-bombed, but Pruett probably would have run out of racetrack and through the dirt if he'd done that. Montoya had plenty of time to try that pass.

edit -- people always act like race car drivers can put the car anywhere on the racetrack at any time. I say if you can't go racing for real then try to find a good simulator. Then get back to me on whether or not Pruett "closed the door" on Montoya. A driver will leave room on the inside only if the passer shows that he's definately going to be there, Montie dive-bombed him, end of story

Anyways today Pruett must feel like Kimi Raikkonen did in Indy last year.

Ah well, the cautions had just about ruined it for me anyways. Nascar is ruining the sport throwing cautions just to get more advertising in. There may be more advertising, but I'm not watching the ads because it takes them so long to get going again, I'm in the other room not paying attention because I know I have 5+ minutes of free time while the cars go around slowly for no reason at all. Someone spinning and then rejoining without wrecking is absolutely no reason to throw a caution.

[Panosh42]

How about those tears by that lame crew chief? Had me in tears...laughing.

And then Pruett, boo hoo. You knew he was faster, get out of the way.

Formula Juan showed who was the class of the field. If I wasn't a fan I'd say he got the call, but I know JPM has the skill. Break out the tissues, we're all so sad about the "dirty racing" that JPM used to win. Get real. JPM rules!

[truefan72]

disclaimer: -- F1 fan

Ah well, the cautions had just about ruined it for me anyways. Nascar is ruining the sport throwing cautions just to get more advertising in. There may be more advertising, but I'm not watching the ads because it takes them so long to get going again, I'm in the other room not paying attention because I know I have 5+ minutes of free time while the cars go around slowly for no reason at all. Someone spinning and then rejoining without wrecking is absolutely no reason to throw a caution.

Agreed!

I watch NASCAR when I can, but I admit the cautions are a bit excessive, it goes riight into the American frame of mind in putting as many breaks as possible. Look at the NFL it is barely watchable to me today 'cause of all the interuptions. I just channel surf during the breaks and often forget about the restarts by the time I get back.

As for theJPM/Pruett thing, pure race incident at worst. Also about teammates, in both open wheel, Nascar racing and most North American auto series, The term "teammate" is used in the loosest of all affiliations. In Nascar, the only thing making them a teammate is through ownership of the actual vehicle. These teams have separate sponsors, crews, team bosses, setups, strategies, communication and very individual goals. and are most senses of the word independant. Until I see cohesive strategy and "teamwork" I wouldn't put much stock into this being an incident amongst teamates.

[race aficionado]

congrats to Montoya, pruett has no argument here. He saw JPM coming and taking the inside line he tried to slam the door closed on him thinking JPM would hard brake, but he lost. He should have conceeded the spot, tried to tail him and look for his chances in restarts just like Hamlin did. There was no way that he was going to keep JPM behind him and this incident just gives a convenient excuse. As for all those out there that deplore Montoya's actions ( or go on and on about it like Rusty Wallace on ESPN2) then I simply ask them to look at tapes of all their previous events in the last year...nay...history and tell me if this even ranks in the top 100 of controversial race incidents. I strongly recall Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Harvick, Robby Gordon, Stewart, the Labonte's etc all in controversial road course incidents in the past few years. Not to mention the ovals!!!
Calling his win tarnished like Rusty Wallace did, simply goes to show that he still isn't fully embraced by the NASCAR "establishment". Serving them a taste of their own medicine. A few more race victories should silence the critics :)

:up: truefan72

I haven't been around to see all those incidents you mention but what I do know is that yes,to quote you again: Pruett saw JPM coming and taking the inside line he tried to slam the door closed on him thinking JPM would hard brake, but he lost. He should have conceeded the spot, tried to tail him and look for his chances in restarts just like Hamlin did. There was no way that he was going to keep JPM behind him and this incident just gives a convenient excuse.

:s mokin:

[Lee Roy]

How about those tears by that lame crew chief? Had me in tears...laughing.


He's always emotional.

You need to grow up.

[ALHARTLEY5]

Do not kid yourselves about that incident. Montoya wasn't anywhere close enough to make that move stick. (He was barely to the middle of the rear quarter panel). He was in the wrong 100%. There is no discussion to be had about it. Wallace looked at the thing and wanted in the worst way to call it pruett's fault or a racing incident to continue the Montoya lovefest, but he couldn't.

Would he have gotten by eventully? Yes Did he have a faster car? Yes Does that justify punting your teammate from the lead? NO!!!!!!! Montoya IS a hothead. Montoya has never been a good teammate and he never will. That kind of stuff does damage to teams that isn't necessary. CGR could have had a dominating 1-2 finish, but Montoya saw to it that they didn't.

As far as NASCAR goes, it does seem like NASCAR throws these cautions in very liberally and I suppose it might be to generate revenue.

The NASCAR racing continues to be pretty subpar. It's too bad they don;t do what real racing series do and issue penalties to drivers who bull bush-league stunts like JPM pulled today. If Pruett had been wrecked to 17th and JPM been penalized a lap or sent to the back, I wonder if Chip Ganassi would be reinforcing his driver's thug driving tactics this afternoon?

[Lee Roy]

Those cautions at the end sure killed the flow of things...got ugly. NASCAR really needs to learn how to properly officiate a road course race, with more use of local yellows etc.


I agree. NASCAR needs to learn how to use local yellow.

I remembered why I always record NASCAR races (or any races for that matter) and fast forward through the commericals and cautions. Saves me a lot of time.

[Lee Roy]

Montoya is certainly the "real deal". Can't wait for him to run at Watkins Glen and Infeneon. He'll do well in those races, and might possibly win, but then he'll have a lot stiffer competition for those races than the bunch he ran against today.

[race aficionado]

Now I just want to see JPM run versus Stewart, Gordon, Gordon, Harvick, & Company.

He really did outclass the rest of the field badly today.

I think his explanation of the Pruett incident sounded about right... any way its just racing.

can't wait either.

I was disapointed to see how Pruett reacted on camera and on the track at the end.

looked like a fool in my eyes but I will give him the benefit of the doubt once he has calmed down.

let's see what they all say tomorrow (or in a couple of days) once the dust is settled

[djarumdudley]

Nascar's usage of the yellow flag is even more glaring on road course. there was a time before tv ratings and "a better show" that Nascar knew how to use the local yellow. now a one car spin is just another lame way to get a bunched up field.

[harvick#1]

I remembered why I always record NASCAR races (or any races for that matter) and fast forward through the commericals and cautions. Saves me a lot of time.

this week was fine, whenever ESPN2 went to commercial ESPN still had the race going on in Spanish, though I don't know what they are saying, it was nice to know I got to watch the race with only about 1 or two commercial breaks

[harvick#1]

Montoya is certainly the "real deal". Can't wait for him to run at Watkins Glen and Infeneon. He'll do well in those races, and might possibly win, but then he'll have a lot stiffer competition for those races than the bunch he ran against today.

yeah, but I forgot that the CoT will be run in both races, which will level the playing field and the big road race aces will really show up for those events.

[Lee Roy]

this week was fine, whenever ESPN2 went to commercial ESPN still had the race going on in Spanish, though I don't know what they are saying, it was nice to know I got to watch the race with only about 1 or two commercial breaks

Yeah, I switched over too. Can't speak, or understand Spanish, but it was cool. Enjoyed a couple of the Spanish commercials.

[harvick#1]

even though I didn't understand them, they were better than hearing Rusty shouting in the microphone

[call_me_andrew]

So Montoya hit his teammate, BFD! Rookies do stupid things sometimes.

I managed to watch the first 15 laps (going back and forth between English and Spanish) and the last two laps, and the rest I had to listen to on the radio. I took 2 years of Spanish and all I remember is how to count and tell time, but I recognized a few small parts.

I haven't seen a replay yet, but rookies are dumb.

[BenRoethig]

Nascar's usage of the yellow flag is even more glaring on road course. there was a time before tv ratings and "a better show" that Nascar knew how to use the local yellow. now a one car spin is just another lame way to get a bunched up field.

I think they'll use it more in the cup races where the drivers are more experienced running on the road courses.

JPM was certainly impressive, but I would have to say I was even more impressed with Denny Hamlin. He kept up pretty well those last few laps. Still I can't want to see him mixing it up with Stewart, Gordon, and the rest of the cup drivers. I think the international road course community is going to have a lot more respect for them after Infineon.

[harvick#1]

do people forget that Hamlin won last year after outrunning Boris in the final laps. so yeah he knows that track and knows how to win too.

[f1rocks]

can't wait either.

I was disapointed to see how Pruett reacted on camera and on the track at the end.

looked like a fool in my eyes but I will give him the benefit of the doubt once he has calmed down.

let's see what they all say tomorrow (or in a couple of days) once the dust is settled

I second that Race. I did not like Scott's reaction. Even if he is not at fault he would have done well to keep his mouth shut. To call JPM a dirty driver is nothing more than a pathetic statement.

Dont these guys ever wonder, where JPM would have been had he not experienced any trouble today. He would have won by 30 plus seconds. Scott had the same car as JPM but he could do nothing to match him. And to come from 20 places behind in only a handful of laps was just very exciting and sensational to watch.

Today I saw one of Montoya's best performance and I dont really care about the overtaking of Scott. JPM made this race exciting. As an F1 fan I will certainly watch the other 2 road course races this year...

[muggle not]

Those cautions at the end sure killed the flow of things...got ugly. NASCAR really needs to learn how to properly officiate a road course race, with more use of local yellows etc.

Good job by JPM, regardless of the contact with Pruett(for which JPM deserves the bulk of the blame) it cannot be overlooked that Montoya came from 19th to the lead in less than 25 laps.
I agree. Bottom line was Montoya was impressive and came away with the win. Pruett has a little bit of an ego and was beaten by a better driver....today.

[race aficionado]

OK.
I just posted the Speed Report on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_if1mD1_mfc

much will be talked, oppinions will vary, bottom line is,
Juan Pablo Montoya has officially arrived - hold on to your pantalones.

race
:s mokin:

[SmokeFan20]

Scott Pruett took himself out.
Juan had a run on Scott and went for the opening on the bottom of him.
Scott tried chop blocking Juan when he saw him coming, but he chopped too late and got punted.

If Scott didn't want to get wrecked. He should have lived up to his post race words and let the faster teammate car go by, instead of trying to block the faster teammate car.

[Ranger]

Great work from Montoya - just saw Race's SPEED report. He would have been the absolute KING if he'd made that last pass on Scott Pruett clean, but sometimes, **** just happens (see Mexico ChampCar race 2006).

I always had the opinion that he had the most raw, natural talent on the F1 grid and it seems to be proving true in the transition to NASCAR. I hope he does well for the season, even if I don't have access to see it. :up:

[Robert Ryan]

Marcos Ambrose impressed. He was baulked in qualifying and finished 12th. In the race he fluctuated from 6th to 7th, to 5th.He was run into by J. J Yeley a racing incident when Marcos was baulked int turn by Greg Biffle. Marcos went to 24th, then 15th and in two laps to 8th. He is currently 6th in overall points in BGN. This was Marcos's first NASCAR roadrace.

[Mark in Oshawa]

My thoughts are this. First off, Ron Fellows is a far smoother and accomplished driver than some of the guys who were at the front on a road course in these cars, but he seems to be lacking luck or something any more. Oh well, he loves the Glen and will get a crack again in Montreal. (had to have a shout out for my favourite driver)

Anyhow, Montoya's pass of Pruett sucked and he can be rough, but that said, Pruett should have known that Montoya going by was likely inevitable, and the best way to try to beat Juan might have been to let him by and try to sneak on by again if he had enough car left.

If I put on my race steward's cap ( took one course in stewarding, never have actually written the steward's test and applied for a license) I would have to say Montoya was in the wrong. He never got the nose of the car up to the door of the car to be passed, so it was Pruett's corner. That said, Scott is delusional if he thinks Montoya wasn't going to take him, but I think what had Chip and Scott more than a little miffed was JPM is supposed to be a teammate and he screwed Scott's finish. JPM was full value for being the fastest guy out there, but he screwed up the past. Lucky for him, this is NASCAR where the only consistency in on track penalties being applied is their annoying inconsistancy. It has worked well of them for 60 years, so their wacky methods wont change now you can be sure.

For those of you who think that constant full course yellows are unfair, understand you cant have local yellows on ovals, and the same rules follow the series to the road course by NASCAR because they like the ability to manage the races and finesse closer finishes. A friend of mine who has marshalled a few times for NASCAR at the Glen has told me that they are told in the morning of the race in the meeting of the corner workers and marshals that if they are on the radio net and hear NASCAR say there is debris in a corner, and it is your corner, and you don't see that said debris, you are NOT to contradict them. NASCAR has always managed to an extent their finishes, and watching a guy drive away stinks up the show in their opinion, so on occasion, they will call for a pretty bogus yellow. At Mexico, well people spin off constantly, so their quick trigger is somewhat more justified.....but I love NASCAR races on road courses anyhow. There is something rather fun about these big tanks beating and banging on each other....

[Hoss Ghoul]

Yep, they are great on a road course. Rubbing's racing as they say, and with good reason. Getting these big brutes around a track(road or small oval) without any contact is largely unavoidable(although there is far less contact at the 1.5-2 milers).

Also, contact is not the mortal sin, and guaranteed DNF it is in open wheel racing...so why should it be treated as such? Stock car fans have a greater appreciation for the variety and type of normal and "acceptable" or unacceptable contact that can happen in a race.

That is something many single seat open wheel fans don't seem to comprehend when they attack NASCAR(we'd see it more in Sports Cars too if the fields and racing/talent was closer).

[cyd]

Scott Pruett took himself out.
Juan had a run on Scott and went for the opening on the bottom of him.
Scott tried chop blocking Juan when he saw him coming, but he chopped too late and got punted.

If Scott didn't want to get wrecked. He should have lived up to his post race words and let the faster teammate car go by, instead of trying to block the faster teammate car.

I watched the live stream on NASCAR.com last night, saw the replay of the punt about 3 times, and I couldn't agree more. Pruett saw it coming, then acted like a pratt.

Meanwhile, that was one of the most exciting races I've seen in quite awhile. Go, JPM!!!!!!!! :D

[dwboogityfan]

Am a big fan of Juan having followed his career through F3000, CART, F1 and now NASCAR so was delighted to see him win.
However, I do feel extremely sorry for Scott Pruett. Pruett has never won a NASCAR race despite being one of the best all round drivers in the States and his only full season was with the terrible Cal Wells team. I can fully understand his reaction at getting punted off - yes Montoya was faster but he was too far back to complete a clean pass. Just a shame JPM couldn't have won with a clean pass.
Ambrose is impressing me a great deal. He did well in the Trucks last year and continues to progress. I hope the performances of Ambrose and Montoya will help get some more foreign drivers in the series. Would love to be able to cheer on a UK driver in the Cup series one day.

[tassiedevilAB]

yeah Montoya was exciting in the race, & so was Marcos Ambrose, here IS what Marcos did & apparently the tv didn't even show him coming through the field after he had to start in 24 th spot after being accidentally punted by JJ



“Today was a really long day,” said Ambrose.

“We fought all day. When we had clear track the worked nicely but when we went back into the pack after being spun the car couldn’t quite do what I needed it to do.

“Eighth is still a really good result for us but we had a better result in us today and unfortunately we didn’t get it.

“It was just one of those deals when we got turned around. Greg Biffle was just in front of us and he checked up through Turn Three. I checked up slightly and Yeley got into the back of me at just the wrong moment and we both went around in front of the almost whole field.

“The Ganassi cars were fast this weekend so we have a little bit of work to do on our road course program but we can definitely be proud of what we achieved today.

“We got our first top 10 in the Busch Series, we’re still well inside the top 10 in points and we are still the leading rookie. So life is definitely good at the moment.

“Those last two laps were just a mess. It’s just what you get in those green-white-chequered situations. We just had to try and finish as well as trying to pass as many cars as possible.

“There were people bumping and bashing into each other all over the track.

“We got up to 15th from 24th on merit there, which shows the car had some really good pace. In those last two laps we just had to go for it without doing anything that would put us out and we got to eighth.

“I think we passed more cars than anyone out there today.

“Now we can move on to Las Vegas. We tested there in the preseason so we are hoping that it is another strong weekend for the Kingsford team.

"It was good to get back on a road course where I’ve got a better idea of what I'm doing. But, I love the ovals. The ovals, to me, are the best thing that I've ever done in my life.

“I'm glad that I can run a couple of road courses, but my passion is with the ovals."



THAT TO A LOT OF FANS IS MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN WHAT MONTOYA DID IN A MORE SUPERIOR CAR!

It was the Montoya show & just about every other driver there was a supprting cast on the tv & MRN radio did a crap show yesterday, they also went ape over Monty & forgot the other drivers were actually racing too!

[ms0362]

Patience Juan Pablo....patience

[race aficionado]

The PR patrole has acted and fences have been "PR mended"

http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=49738&newlang=&topic=11&catid=21


Scott Pruett:

“Sunday’s race brought out a wide range of emotions from me. Although I am still upset that I did not win the race in Mexico City or finish 1-2, I do feel a lot better. I spoke to Juan Pablo and he apologized and I do know that what happened was not intentional on Juan’s part.

* "He and I have worked great together in the past – winning the 24 Hours - and I know we will work together in the future. Racing is an emotional sport and that is part of its beauty. I have been in racing for a long time and sometimes these things happen. I have moved on and now just look forward to getting back to racing.”




Juan Pablo Montoya:

“As I said for the last couple of days, I am very sorry about what happened with Scott and I am really disappointed that we did not finish 1-2. I think that we had the best cars in the field and I know Scott, Brian and the whole 41 team deserved better. I feel bad that the whole situation happened and told Scott that I was sorry about it. I completely understand Scott’s frustration as I would feel the same way. I am now just looking forward to Las Vegas.”


all is a "happy family" now.

bring on Las Vegas!

:s mokin:

[ZzZzZz]

The Juan Mon was in passing mode and I'm sure the slower cars were giving the polesitter some room. It's a mental lapse to remain in that same state of mind when vying for the lead with someone who's capable of holding you off in a slower car. He could have cost himself the race. Once he committed to the banzai move, he was in the hands of fate.

Maybe Scotty was in sports car mode. People punt each other out of the lead in NASCAR all the time. He expected to make a race of it and hold him off for a few corners. It's about respect. "You earn it, I'll let you have it." If he'd been taken off racing side by side into a corner I guarantee you he'd have been all smiles and thumbs up. To him this was a breach of ettiquette and a lack of respect. He would not have been upset otherwise.

[Sparky1329]

Scott Pruett took himself out.
Juan had a run on Scott and went for the opening on the bottom of him.
Scott tried chop blocking Juan when he saw him coming, but he chopped too late and got punted.

If Scott didn't want to get wrecked. He should have lived up to his post race words and let the faster teammate car go by, instead of trying to block the faster teammate car.

That's the way I saw it.

[BobbyC]

Some are saying JPM could be the sport's next villain, something needed since Dale Snr's death. Watch out on the flat tracks, however. As Denny Hamlin showed last year, a flat-track ace and a road racing ace could be similar, and Hamlin used his flat-track experience to do Mexico last year. I think JPM is more likely to do better on flat tracks such as Loudon, Martinsville (where he will be "winging" it), and even Richmond.

The ratings for the Mexico race dropped 34.3% from last year's Telcel-Motorola 300, which was a network television event (Fox with two pit reporters -- Byrnes and Hammond -- and the Big Three of Joy, McReynolds, and Waltrip).

[Lee Roy]

The ratings for the Mexico race dropped 34.3% from last year's Telcel-Motorola 300, which was a network television event (Fox with two pit reporters -- Byrnes and Hammond -- and the Big Three of Joy, McReynolds, and Waltrip).

Yep. Time to bring this Mexico experiment to an end.

[muggle not]

Yep. Time to bring this Mexico experiment to an end.
Depends, what are the numbers compared to races in the States.

[race aficionado]

I don't think they will end it, specially with the new Latin market that is being persued.

[Lee Roy]

I don't think they will end it, specially with the new Latin market that is being persued.


TV Ratings for Mexico race down from last year: ESPN2's broadcast of the Telcel-Motorola Mexico 200 Busch Series race garnered a Nielsen Media Research rating of 2.3 with 2,142,000 households watching, according to the network. ESPN's Spanish-language telecast showed a 0.2 rating with 196,000, boosting the total households watching to 2,337,000. But those numbers were down 34.3% over 2006's race, which was shown on the Fox network. Last year, the Fox broadcast had a 3.5 rating with 3,821,000 households.(SceneDaily.com)(3-7-2007)

After three years in Mexico City, they don't seem that interested.

[race aficionado]

After three years in Mexico City, they don't seem that interested.

agreed, but remember that the Juan Pablo experiment is just begining and it's looking so far, so good.

Time will tell but believe me, Mexico will be there next year - or another latin country? I wouldn't know the answer to that because I don't know of other tracks that would suit the bill.


:s mokin:

[Alexamateo]

It's the only race my (Mexican)wife will watch(She did go to Talladega with me one year though :p :) . Mainly she's interested in the pre-race to hear her national anthem and see what celebrities and pop stars she can see. (By the way, I thought the pre-race was really nicely done.)

Also, heaven forbid I comment on a ratings thread, but my question would be How does ESPN2 relate in the number of households as opposed to Fox? WHat ratings does ESPN2 normally get for that time period? How does/will it compare to other Busch races?

I know Mexican attendance has been lower at CC's race too. It could be a function of the economy in general. It's tough to gauge from afar. My wife's brothers and sisters says things are tougher, but they like us are in the stage of buying houses/having children, so disposable income is less. Who knows? I would like to see it continue and maybe even go to it next year.

[rlenis]

Aren't they planning to move the event to Monterrey which is much closer to Texas. I read somewhere they explored this idea to save on traveling costs and to have it coincide with on the Cup weekends in Texas.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Mexico had a full set of stands so whatever the TV ratings say, the event at the track still is drawing pretty well.

I think the ratings are down because from what I saw, ESPN2 isn't putting the same amount of effort and promotion towards the race. Also, FOX promoted the hell out of the Mexico event during their Cup broadcasts when they had the event. They sure as heck didn't do that for ESPN this year, and that has to be a factor.

LeeRoy, they will keep this race because they want the Mexican exposure and they want to keep that Latin market cranked up to watch NASCAR. You have 100 million people in Mexico, and while the disposable income for many is not there, there are Mexican sponsors and marketing opportunities down there that are of value for NASCAR.

It is the same reason they finally woke up and realized they might actually make some money in Canada so they will come to Montreal. Canadians have been 10 to 15% of the seat fillers at Michigan, Pocono, New Hampshire and the Glen, and per capita, have as much money as Americans to spend on the sport. The international expansion is just starting...they aint going back now...