Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
The Samsung 500 at the Great American Speedway — apparently the new name for Texas Motor Speedway — wasn’t the best race, so far, this season. Not much happened during the race.
That wasn’t the same for Sprint Cup qualifying two days before.
Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 00 Aaron’s Toyota, began his first lap in his qualifying attempt. As he turned into the corner, it appeared the car got loose and he over-corrected it by “hooking to the right,” said McDowell on The Today Show Monday. In doing so, he went straight into the wall.
Due to the tremendous amount of speed, once the car initially hit the wall, it flew up and barrel-rolled several times. “I counted seven,” (more…)
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Wasn’t the first day of spring a good week before the race? Yes, I believe it was! It wasn’t very apparent if you were watching the race coverage throughout the weekend. Once again, this thing called indecisive weather, played games with the drivers (and us).
The weekend appeared to be better than before — no rain in sight — at least for the first half of the weekend.
During Friday’s qualifying, all the teams were on their a-game. The drivers seated below the top 35 in owner points were sitting on edge and stepping up. The starting lineup was evident of that. (more…)
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2008
Short track racing typically equals disappointment. Disappointment for the drivers, not the fans, and Bristol was no exception.
Once again, like several times this season, the expected winner or dominant driver didn’t cross the finish line first.
For the second time this season with only five races under the belt, Cup qualifying was cancelled due to rain (or weather). Once again, the starting order was set by the owner points.
Nationwide qualifying was also cancelled (for the third time), because the drivers had not practiced on the track. (The rain had cancelled Nationwide practices earlier.)
Saturday called for both series to have one long final practice each with Clint Bowyer’s No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet being the fastest Nationwide car. Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 Budweiser Dodge was the fastest Cup car. Both names would continue to play a part in Saturday’s Nationwide race. (more…)
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Let’s hope not, because once again, Vegas was great racing.
Where weekend before where it was all rain, all day — Las Vegas was far from rainy. It was very much a typical race weekend.
Qualifying was Friday, as usual. The Cup drivers and fans got their first taste of the new way of qualifying (that is if you haven’t been watching Truck or Nationwide qualifying).
The top 35 in owner’s points qualified first and then all those who weren’t in the top 35 qualified at the end together. It makes it more fair for the teams who may or may not make it in, they say.
I agree with this. I think it gives all the “go or go-home” cars the same advantage (or disadvantage) — but that’s just my opinion. (more…)
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Wednesday, February 13th, 2008
The 2008 season has begun, finally!
Last weekend proved to be exciting. Friday night before Budweiser Shootout, during final practice, two separate wrecks occurred. Eleven out of 23 cars ended up needing to make repairs or were out of commission.
Teams, including two-time champion Jimmie Johnson and teammate four-time champion, Jeff Gordon had to go to back up cars. A few of teams, didn’t have back up cars for the Shootout. They had to get one down from Charlotte (or their respective towns) in time for Saturday’s inspection and night race, if they chose not to use either of their cars slated for the Daytona 500.
The last wreck, involving Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, caused its own little bit of controversy and excitement. (more…)
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