After a tumultuous 10-month season, racetracks across the country have gone silent. While some of the tracks are awaiting their own blanket of snow, the tracks in the south, with perfectly good dry pavement, are sitting empty, quiet, lonely.
As NASCAR fans, we are used to the hustle and bustle of the season. So much so, in fact, that when the off-season comes, it is almost as an ill-fitting suit – we’re not quite sure what to do with no racing on.
I feel for you. I really do. I go there every year myself. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of things to do in the off-season. Hopefully that will get you through the winter.
1. Redecorate
Silly Season is wrapping up. Drivers and sponsors are finding new homes – Keselowski is with Penske, GoDaddy is with Mark Martin, Truex is with Napa, and McMurray has moved to Earnhardt/Ganassi, among others.
Perhaps you could rename Jayski’s Silly Season Site to Jayski’s Guide to Off-Season Redecorating.
You should start this now, as your wife or husband may have different ideas of how to decorate, and it may take time to settle the Gordon/Junior debate.
I recommend coming up with some sort of way to appease your frustrated spouse who agreed to let you decorate with Jimmie Johnson apparel “only when he wins the championship.”
2. See the Doctor
Being a NASCAR fan is hard on the body. Travel from track to track is stressful, and prolonged stress can cause nervous system and circulatory damage.
Hours upon hours and days upon days of sitting still for months at a time while watching the races can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT – the “airplane” disease, or “killer legs” as they say in the commercials).
Then at the track, you consume… um… things.
If all of this builds up over too long a period and goes unchecked, it may cause a whopper of a problem. Get this checked out. You want to see who wins the next championship, right?
3. Clean Your Tailgate
Any experienced tailgater has his or her system finely tuned – you know what to pack, how much to pack, which food groups go where, where to put the utensils, and where to store everything else that makes your particular tailgate party unique.
Now clean it.
Trust me, you don’t want your guests, invited or uninvited, to get e coli or salmonella because you neglect to clean your stuff.
Throw away all the “I wonder what this used to be” formerly edible items.
Couch-tailgaters need some maintenance too. Clean your ovens, check your couch cushions, change the batteries in your remote, etc…
4. Come Up With Reasons To Justify Why Speedweeks is More Important than Anything Else You Might Be Otherwise Be Doing
I go through this every year – there just aren’t many NASCAR fans throughout Iowa’s private colleges. When my school’s other NASCAR fan and I tried to throw a Daytona 500 party last year, it caused me to miss a meeting. When I mentioned I would be unable to make it, an esteemed colleague remarked, “You have got to be kidding me.”
Well, we did cancel a meeting a week earlier for the Super Bowl. Is this less important? This is my Super Bowl.
It almost seems like Christmas versus Yom Kippur.
In my experience, non-NASCAR fans just don’t get it, and very few ever will. That’s why it takes two months to come up with good reasons (or excuses) to miss things that occur during Speedweeks.
When the Bud Shootout comes on… I’ve gotta have my fix.
5. Practice
This one is self-explanatory. Get on a crowded highway and pretend you’re at Talladega. Trust me, it will make you feel better (just remember the no bump-drafting rule).
6. Do Your Part
Support the sponsors that fork down millions to support your addiction. Shop at Target instead of Wal-Mart and Office Depot instead of Office Max.
With Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards all doing their part, feel free to choose between them. You get the idea. If given an alternative, support those who support NASCAR.
7. By All Means, DO NOT Tan
By the beginning of the season, NASCAR fans should be as light as possible. If you don’t come out of your first race looking like a raw steak who will hurt for 3 weeks, you are not getting the full experience.
8. If All Else Fails, Hybernate
If you’ve gone through my list and there’s still time left over, and you just can’t stand it any more, then crawl into a cave and sleep. There’s nothing to do out here anyway.
That’s it. I hope this provides some measure of coping mechanisms. If you need any extra help, the Racing Tool and youtube are just a few clicks away.
-David Dubczak
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Johnson’s Championship Season the Worst of This Year’s Champions
Jimmie Johnson had a thrilling season this year, able to handedly win his fourth straight championship, a feat never before accomplished in NASCAR history. This record will stand for a long, long time. As Larry McReynolds said on SPEED, unless this team totally implodes, there is no reason they can’t go on to win a fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth straight championship.
If he does win eight in a row though, I will be stocking up on non-perishables, because it will definitely signify the end of the world – Y2K or something. Actually, if he gets to seven in a row, NASCAR’s seemingly magic number… that’s 2012.
But, compared to Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday, the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series Champions, respectively, the season that garnered him his history-making fourth championship is remarkably unimpressive.
Let’s look at some stats:
Jimmie’s average finish was 11.1, something I doubt Paul Menard (average finish: 29) would call unimpressive. However, Kyle Busch’s Nationwide average was 6.4 and Ron Hornaday’s Camping World Truck average was also 6.4. In fact, of the Chase drivers, Jeff Gordon bettered Johnson with a 10.2.
Busch and Hornaday finished in the top-ten in all but 5 of the races in their season, while Johnson failed to finish in the top-ten in 12 Sprint Cup races… nearly one third of them.
Jimmie also cost me a fantasy championship - I picked him to win at Texas.
However, no matter the points system, the best team will rise to the top. The Truck Series and the Nationwide series still use the “classic” points system, and both still produced runaway championships. Ron Hornaday clinched his championship in the second-to-last race, and Kyle Busch only needed to start the last race to win his. Johnson’s lead was smaller, but still large enough that he had little pressure at Homestead.
There is nothing NASCAR could have done with the points system to make this year’s championship more exciting.
Now wait, before nagging me about the 2008 battle between Johnson and Carl Edwards, let me clarify my position:
Yes, the battle was closer, but because Edwards was nearly as good as Johnson, even winning 9 times to Johnson’s 8. Had Edwards not wrecked himself and the rest of the Roush fleet at Talladega, it would have been closer.
So what happened in 2009? Simply put, no one was as good as the 48 gang. No one could match Johnson well enough to have a nail-biting championship battle.
Trust me… if the Yankees were to play Bryant Park Little League, the Yankees would win, unless something was done to seriously handicap their talent. In order to keep the 48 team from winning the 2009 Championship, NASCAR would have had to break their legs.
Changing the math does nothing, except reward being sub-par.
-David Dubczak
If he does win eight in a row though, I will be stocking up on non-perishables, because it will definitely signify the end of the world – Y2K or something. Actually, if he gets to seven in a row, NASCAR’s seemingly magic number… that’s 2012.
But, compared to Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday, the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series Champions, respectively, the season that garnered him his history-making fourth championship is remarkably unimpressive.
Let’s look at some stats:
Jimmie’s average finish was 11.1, something I doubt Paul Menard (average finish: 29) would call unimpressive. However, Kyle Busch’s Nationwide average was 6.4 and Ron Hornaday’s Camping World Truck average was also 6.4. In fact, of the Chase drivers, Jeff Gordon bettered Johnson with a 10.2.
Busch and Hornaday finished in the top-ten in all but 5 of the races in their season, while Johnson failed to finish in the top-ten in 12 Sprint Cup races… nearly one third of them.
Jimmie also cost me a fantasy championship - I picked him to win at Texas.
However, no matter the points system, the best team will rise to the top. The Truck Series and the Nationwide series still use the “classic” points system, and both still produced runaway championships. Ron Hornaday clinched his championship in the second-to-last race, and Kyle Busch only needed to start the last race to win his. Johnson’s lead was smaller, but still large enough that he had little pressure at Homestead.
There is nothing NASCAR could have done with the points system to make this year’s championship more exciting.
Now wait, before nagging me about the 2008 battle between Johnson and Carl Edwards, let me clarify my position:
Yes, the battle was closer, but because Edwards was nearly as good as Johnson, even winning 9 times to Johnson’s 8. Had Edwards not wrecked himself and the rest of the Roush fleet at Talladega, it would have been closer.
So what happened in 2009? Simply put, no one was as good as the 48 gang. No one could match Johnson well enough to have a nail-biting championship battle.
Trust me… if the Yankees were to play Bryant Park Little League, the Yankees would win, unless something was done to seriously handicap their talent. In order to keep the 48 team from winning the 2009 Championship, NASCAR would have had to break their legs.
Changing the math does nothing, except reward being sub-par.
-David Dubczak
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Racing Tool Replay: Johnson's Place in NASCAR History
Originally Published on November 6, 2009
Let’s face it: Jimmie Johnson will win this championship and become the first driver to ever win four championships in a row.
NASCAR Fans: deal with it. If he pulls this off, he will solidify his position as one of the greatest drivers ever. Remember, only three drivers have ever won more than three championships: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie is about to win four in a row.
With the same team and the same crew chief… something that is also a new feat.
Twenty years from now, we’ll see Jimmie on Trackside on SPEED (hosted by Rutledge Wood, Michael Waltrip, Chase Elliot, and Chad Knaus) talking about his legacy from the good ol’ days as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lowe’s no. 48 die-casts will still be produced, probably in a box set from each of his championship years (and maybe a special edition that comes in a Cobalt Tools toolbox with a Jimmie figurine that repeats, “Pipe-fitting, Guys” when you ask it what it’s doing), Jimmie Johnson t-shirts will still be printed, and residents of El Cajon, California will still be talking about the local hero who did the impossible in NASCAR’s highest level.
Cale Yarborough won three consecutive championships back in the day – does anyone look back on him with thoughts of, “I can’t believe NASCAR allowed that to happen without tweaking the points system. He just ruined NASCAR!”?
I think not. He is a legend, which is why Johnson’s streak is so hard to swallow – because he’s breaking the record of a legend.
When Carl Edwards, Jr. wins his fifth championship in a row (hey it could happen – don’t jump on me for predicting the destiny of a yet-unnamed child who has barely been conceived), will people fondly remember the days of Jimmie Johnson’s dominance?
So, is this really what Jimmie’s place in history will be?
Take this into consideration: Mozart died a pauper, Picasso was considered a talentless hack, and Jesus freely admitted no prophet is accepted in his own home town. To those who knew Daniel Boone, he was just another guy.
Yet, argue that any one of those people are not great historical figures.
Johnson may not be popular right now, and may be the face of all that is wrong with NASCAR – no parity, the dominance of the superteams, etc – but history and future generations of NASCAR fans will look back and admire his feat, and those future fans who are not around yet will wish they had lived to see the great Jimmie Johnson race.
As Jimmie said on NASCAR Race Hub a few weeks ago, "I've spent the majority of my career not being successful, so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can."
-David Dubczak
Let’s face it: Jimmie Johnson will win this championship and become the first driver to ever win four championships in a row.
NASCAR Fans: deal with it. If he pulls this off, he will solidify his position as one of the greatest drivers ever. Remember, only three drivers have ever won more than three championships: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie is about to win four in a row.
With the same team and the same crew chief… something that is also a new feat.
Twenty years from now, we’ll see Jimmie on Trackside on SPEED (hosted by Rutledge Wood, Michael Waltrip, Chase Elliot, and Chad Knaus) talking about his legacy from the good ol’ days as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lowe’s no. 48 die-casts will still be produced, probably in a box set from each of his championship years (and maybe a special edition that comes in a Cobalt Tools toolbox with a Jimmie figurine that repeats, “Pipe-fitting, Guys” when you ask it what it’s doing), Jimmie Johnson t-shirts will still be printed, and residents of El Cajon, California will still be talking about the local hero who did the impossible in NASCAR’s highest level.
Cale Yarborough won three consecutive championships back in the day – does anyone look back on him with thoughts of, “I can’t believe NASCAR allowed that to happen without tweaking the points system. He just ruined NASCAR!”?
I think not. He is a legend, which is why Johnson’s streak is so hard to swallow – because he’s breaking the record of a legend.
When Carl Edwards, Jr. wins his fifth championship in a row (hey it could happen – don’t jump on me for predicting the destiny of a yet-unnamed child who has barely been conceived), will people fondly remember the days of Jimmie Johnson’s dominance?
So, is this really what Jimmie’s place in history will be?
Take this into consideration: Mozart died a pauper, Picasso was considered a talentless hack, and Jesus freely admitted no prophet is accepted in his own home town. To those who knew Daniel Boone, he was just another guy.
Yet, argue that any one of those people are not great historical figures.
Johnson may not be popular right now, and may be the face of all that is wrong with NASCAR – no parity, the dominance of the superteams, etc – but history and future generations of NASCAR fans will look back and admire his feat, and those future fans who are not around yet will wish they had lived to see the great Jimmie Johnson race.
As Jimmie said on NASCAR Race Hub a few weeks ago, "I've spent the majority of my career not being successful, so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can."
-David Dubczak
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Better Role for the Camping World Series
Let's face it - no one really cares about the NASCAR Camping World Series. The most (only) attention it gets is when Kyle Busch runs a random race here and there.
But, for such an important developmental series, it needs attention - teams need sponsors, the series needs sponsors, and the drivers need people to watch them.
Unfortunately, the current setup has the series competing directly against local short tracks. How can this be different? By having having the Camping World Series support the Whelen All-American Series tracks, the heart and soul at the root of NASCAR.
What would happen if the Camping World Series ran most of its schedule at weekly tracks that can run as support? The track can run it's weekly show (or abbreviated, like late-models only), then run a 150-lap Camping World Series race.
The Camping World Series would be such a big draw, the stands would be full, and the track might be able to charge a bit extra (but hopefully not too much). And, if SPEED comes... national attention.
Even the local heroes might get involved. If the weekly drivers are able to get themselves a ride, imagine the support they could receive while racing against the regulars in one of the finest regional touring series in America, or the Camping World Series drivers might show up with a late model. (Many local fans think their regulars are better than Jimmie Johnson anyway.)
The local fans would start following the Camping World Series. This is exactly what the series needs - loyal followers. When Jason Bowles won the Camping World West Series championship, he could have had people following him while recalling how he won at their track.
Yes, the Camping World Series already does this to some extent - Greenville Pickens, Tri-County Speedway, and Douglas County Speedway to name a few. However, this schedule should be a rotational schedule, with some schedule slots dedicated to a continuous rotation of Saturday night shows at tracks that won't see a repeat appearance for three years or so.
Also, NASCAR shouldn't use the track's ability to provide prize money as the sole consideration for a date - NASCAR should help out with this. In the event the track can't find a sponsor for the race, and NASCAR's efforts are fruitless, NASCAR should help out with the prize money and let some local charity put their name on the race.
And what's to say the Whelen Modified Series can't join the party as well? How many local tracks have never seen a modified race? That would be a draw as well.
Don't, however, stop racing Cup/Nationwide/Truck companion events. After all, this is a developmental series. Let the drivers race at the same venues as the Sprint Cup drivers on the same weekend so the elites at the top levels of stock car racing can see what these drivers do.
The NASCAR Camping World Series, though it has been around in various forms forever, has yet to truly find a true niche. A move like this can expose it to legions of new fans and give it a new identity of its own.
Other NASCAR Notes
First of all, I love this feud between Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin. NASCAR needs a feud, and hasn't had one in a while. The last thing NASCAR should do is quell this - yes, ensure everyone stays safe, but it's time for some drama (and running a few races on TNT over the summer just doesn't cut it).
Now, the racing season is nearing it's end. The NASCAR national touring series are still going, but just about every other form of motorsports is done for the year.
What are we poor race fans to do over the long winter?
Well, keep checking back at the Racing Tool. I hope to compile a list of winter racing on TV - any form of motorsports that just happens to have something on TV over the winter. I'll try to keep a schedule going. Stay tuned.
Finally, the Racing Tool is in need of file photos. If you have any photos that pertain to the day's subject and want it featured on the Racing Tool, e-mail it to me. I'll put the best one up there. For example, this week I'll be looking for anything Camping World Series related.
-David Dubczak
But, for such an important developmental series, it needs attention - teams need sponsors, the series needs sponsors, and the drivers need people to watch them.
Unfortunately, the current setup has the series competing directly against local short tracks. How can this be different? By having having the Camping World Series support the Whelen All-American Series tracks, the heart and soul at the root of NASCAR.
What would happen if the Camping World Series ran most of its schedule at weekly tracks that can run as support? The track can run it's weekly show (or abbreviated, like late-models only), then run a 150-lap Camping World Series race.
The Camping World Series would be such a big draw, the stands would be full, and the track might be able to charge a bit extra (but hopefully not too much). And, if SPEED comes... national attention.
Even the local heroes might get involved. If the weekly drivers are able to get themselves a ride, imagine the support they could receive while racing against the regulars in one of the finest regional touring series in America, or the Camping World Series drivers might show up with a late model. (Many local fans think their regulars are better than Jimmie Johnson anyway.)
The local fans would start following the Camping World Series. This is exactly what the series needs - loyal followers. When Jason Bowles won the Camping World West Series championship, he could have had people following him while recalling how he won at their track.
Yes, the Camping World Series already does this to some extent - Greenville Pickens, Tri-County Speedway, and Douglas County Speedway to name a few. However, this schedule should be a rotational schedule, with some schedule slots dedicated to a continuous rotation of Saturday night shows at tracks that won't see a repeat appearance for three years or so.
Also, NASCAR shouldn't use the track's ability to provide prize money as the sole consideration for a date - NASCAR should help out with this. In the event the track can't find a sponsor for the race, and NASCAR's efforts are fruitless, NASCAR should help out with the prize money and let some local charity put their name on the race.
And what's to say the Whelen Modified Series can't join the party as well? How many local tracks have never seen a modified race? That would be a draw as well.
Don't, however, stop racing Cup/Nationwide/Truck companion events. After all, this is a developmental series. Let the drivers race at the same venues as the Sprint Cup drivers on the same weekend so the elites at the top levels of stock car racing can see what these drivers do.
The NASCAR Camping World Series, though it has been around in various forms forever, has yet to truly find a true niche. A move like this can expose it to legions of new fans and give it a new identity of its own.
Other NASCAR Notes
First of all, I love this feud between Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin. NASCAR needs a feud, and hasn't had one in a while. The last thing NASCAR should do is quell this - yes, ensure everyone stays safe, but it's time for some drama (and running a few races on TNT over the summer just doesn't cut it).
Now, the racing season is nearing it's end. The NASCAR national touring series are still going, but just about every other form of motorsports is done for the year.
What are we poor race fans to do over the long winter?
Well, keep checking back at the Racing Tool. I hope to compile a list of winter racing on TV - any form of motorsports that just happens to have something on TV over the winter. I'll try to keep a schedule going. Stay tuned.
Finally, the Racing Tool is in need of file photos. If you have any photos that pertain to the day's subject and want it featured on the Racing Tool, e-mail it to me. I'll put the best one up there. For example, this week I'll be looking for anything Camping World Series related.
-David Dubczak
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The New NASCAR Struggling to Retain It's Old Ways
It started with the inception of the COT – it was originally slated to have a partial rollout through 2007 and 2008, beginning a full schedule in 2009. However, midway through 2007, the team owners went to NASCAR and said it’s too expensive to maintain a fleet of two types of cars and the COT is ready for full time competition. NASCAR listened, and the COT ran full time in 2008.
It was thought a new NASCAR was emerging, one that listened, took input, and tried to operate off of mutual consensus.
The old NASCAR was an absolute dictatorship – the France’s were in charge, and that’s they way it was…
For example: “Don’t want to race at Talladega? Tough, we’ll just find drivers who do.”
Decisions were made at the whims of the higher heads, from the schedule, to the gear rules, to the penalties.
For the All-Star race in 1997, Jeff Gordon’s car was built to exploit every gray area in the rule book – it wasn’t illegal, just in that foggy space between what could and could not be done. NASCAR told them never to race that car again.
In 2002, NASCAR announced on a whim that the Chevy teams would get a 2-inch kick out on their nose for Michigan… and only Michigan.
In 2004, Tony Stewart’s rear window fit all the templates, but NASCAR just didn’t like it. They took the car.
The new NASCAR, however, was going to be different. It started with the COT when they listened to the car owners, and was followed by the infamous drivers’ and owners’ meetings this summer.
Could it be? A NASCAR that was listening to the people in the sport? It appeared awfully so. A few weeks after the meeting, the “Double-File Restarts – Shootout Style” came along (can we please stop saying “Shootout Style?” I’m pretty sure I analyzed the music of Aaron Copland “Shootout Style” this weekend).
The Nationwide COT was going to be allowed various stylistic differences between the brands to help the manufacturers out.
But since then? Nothing.
The COT remains the same for next year, despite the calls of some drivers that a huge, positive change could be made very easily if the teams could just add a little left-side weight to the cars, among other things.
Carl Long’s penalty is still out there after his oversized engine at the All-Star race (through no fault of his own).
Then there was that no bump-drafting rule at Talladega, condemned by virtually everyone who does not work directly for NASCAR.
NASCAR even tried to get after Dale Jarrett for calling the racing at Talladega essentially, “boring.”
OK, Dale Jarrett is a NASCAR champion who drove and acted in such a manner that he earned the respect of everyone in and outside the garage. In my opinion, he gets to say whatever he wants to say, alright? If he says the racing is boring, it’s because it is (and even if it’s not, he’s Dale Jarrett – ‘nuff said).
NASCAR’s sudden shifts in direction have me more confused than a tilt-a-whirl. Are they listening, or aren’t they? Or, are they just pretending to listen, and throwing us a bone every once in a while to keep us happy?
Other NASCAR Notes
Just one: why don’t people like fuel mileage races? To me, they are the most drama-filled, suspenseful finishes second only to photo-finishes. Instead of having Kyle Busch win by 10 car-lengths over his brother Kurt, I would much rather have the drama of “who has enough gas?”
Well, there are only two races left until the looooong racing-less winter (I can smell Daytona already). Enjoy Phoenix.
-David Dubczak
It was thought a new NASCAR was emerging, one that listened, took input, and tried to operate off of mutual consensus.
The old NASCAR was an absolute dictatorship – the France’s were in charge, and that’s they way it was…
For example: “Don’t want to race at Talladega? Tough, we’ll just find drivers who do.”
Decisions were made at the whims of the higher heads, from the schedule, to the gear rules, to the penalties.
For the All-Star race in 1997, Jeff Gordon’s car was built to exploit every gray area in the rule book – it wasn’t illegal, just in that foggy space between what could and could not be done. NASCAR told them never to race that car again.
In 2002, NASCAR announced on a whim that the Chevy teams would get a 2-inch kick out on their nose for Michigan… and only Michigan.
In 2004, Tony Stewart’s rear window fit all the templates, but NASCAR just didn’t like it. They took the car.
The new NASCAR, however, was going to be different. It started with the COT when they listened to the car owners, and was followed by the infamous drivers’ and owners’ meetings this summer.
Could it be? A NASCAR that was listening to the people in the sport? It appeared awfully so. A few weeks after the meeting, the “Double-File Restarts – Shootout Style” came along (can we please stop saying “Shootout Style?” I’m pretty sure I analyzed the music of Aaron Copland “Shootout Style” this weekend).
The Nationwide COT was going to be allowed various stylistic differences between the brands to help the manufacturers out.
But since then? Nothing.
The COT remains the same for next year, despite the calls of some drivers that a huge, positive change could be made very easily if the teams could just add a little left-side weight to the cars, among other things.
Carl Long’s penalty is still out there after his oversized engine at the All-Star race (through no fault of his own).
Then there was that no bump-drafting rule at Talladega, condemned by virtually everyone who does not work directly for NASCAR.
NASCAR even tried to get after Dale Jarrett for calling the racing at Talladega essentially, “boring.”
OK, Dale Jarrett is a NASCAR champion who drove and acted in such a manner that he earned the respect of everyone in and outside the garage. In my opinion, he gets to say whatever he wants to say, alright? If he says the racing is boring, it’s because it is (and even if it’s not, he’s Dale Jarrett – ‘nuff said).
NASCAR’s sudden shifts in direction have me more confused than a tilt-a-whirl. Are they listening, or aren’t they? Or, are they just pretending to listen, and throwing us a bone every once in a while to keep us happy?
Other NASCAR Notes
Just one: why don’t people like fuel mileage races? To me, they are the most drama-filled, suspenseful finishes second only to photo-finishes. Instead of having Kyle Busch win by 10 car-lengths over his brother Kurt, I would much rather have the drama of “who has enough gas?”
Well, there are only two races left until the looooong racing-less winter (I can smell Daytona already). Enjoy Phoenix.
-David Dubczak
Friday, November 6, 2009
Jimmie Johnson's Place in NASCAR History
Let’s face it: Jimmie Johnson will win this championship and become the first driver to ever win four championships in a row.
NASCAR Fans: deal with it. If he pulls this off, he will solidify his position as one of the greatest drivers ever. Remember, only three drivers have ever won more than three championships: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie is about to win four in a row.
With the same team and the same crew chief… something that is also a new feat.
Twenty years from now, we’ll see Jimmie on Trackside on SPEED (hosted by Rutledge Wood, Michael Waltrip, Chase Elliot, and Chad Knaus) talking about his legacy from the good ol’ days as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lowe’s no. 48 die-casts will still be produced, probably in a box set from each of his championship years (and maybe a special edition that comes in a Cobalt Tools toolbox with a Jimmie figurine that repeats, “Pipe-fitting, Guys” when you ask it what it’s doing), Jimmie Johnson t-shirts will still be printed, and residents of El Cajon, California will still be talking about the local hero who did the impossible in NASCAR’s highest level.
Cale Yarborough won three consecutive championships back in the day – does anyone look back on him with thoughts of, “I can’t believe NASCAR allowed that to happen without tweaking the points system. He just ruined NASCAR!”?
I think not. He is a legend, which is why Johnson’s streak is so hard to swallow – because he’s breaking the record of a legend.
When Carl Edwards, Jr. wins his fifth championship in a row (hey it could happen – don’t jump on me for predicting the destiny of a yet-unnamed child who has barely been conceived), will people fondly remember the days of Jimmie Johnson’s dominance?
So, is this really what Jimmie’s place in history will be?
Take this into consideration: Mozart died a pauper, Picasso was considered a talentless hack, and Jesus freely admitted no prophet is accepted in his own home town. To those who knew Daniel Boone, he was just another guy.
Yet, argue that any one of those people are not great historical figures.
Johnson may not be popular right now, and may be the face of all that is wrong with NASCAR – no parity, the dominance of the superteams, etc – but history and future generations of NASCAR fans will look back and admire his feat, and those future fans who are not around yet will wish they had lived to see the great Jimmie Johnson race.
As Jimmie said on NASCAR Race Hub a few weeks ago, "I've spent the majority of my career not being successful, so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can."
-David Dubczak
NASCAR Fans: deal with it. If he pulls this off, he will solidify his position as one of the greatest drivers ever. Remember, only three drivers have ever won more than three championships: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie is about to win four in a row.
With the same team and the same crew chief… something that is also a new feat.
Twenty years from now, we’ll see Jimmie on Trackside on SPEED (hosted by Rutledge Wood, Michael Waltrip, Chase Elliot, and Chad Knaus) talking about his legacy from the good ol’ days as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lowe’s no. 48 die-casts will still be produced, probably in a box set from each of his championship years (and maybe a special edition that comes in a Cobalt Tools toolbox with a Jimmie figurine that repeats, “Pipe-fitting, Guys” when you ask it what it’s doing), Jimmie Johnson t-shirts will still be printed, and residents of El Cajon, California will still be talking about the local hero who did the impossible in NASCAR’s highest level.
Cale Yarborough won three consecutive championships back in the day – does anyone look back on him with thoughts of, “I can’t believe NASCAR allowed that to happen without tweaking the points system. He just ruined NASCAR!”?
I think not. He is a legend, which is why Johnson’s streak is so hard to swallow – because he’s breaking the record of a legend.
When Carl Edwards, Jr. wins his fifth championship in a row (hey it could happen – don’t jump on me for predicting the destiny of a yet-unnamed child who has barely been conceived), will people fondly remember the days of Jimmie Johnson’s dominance?
So, is this really what Jimmie’s place in history will be?
Take this into consideration: Mozart died a pauper, Picasso was considered a talentless hack, and Jesus freely admitted no prophet is accepted in his own home town. To those who knew Daniel Boone, he was just another guy.
Yet, argue that any one of those people are not great historical figures.
Johnson may not be popular right now, and may be the face of all that is wrong with NASCAR – no parity, the dominance of the superteams, etc – but history and future generations of NASCAR fans will look back and admire his feat, and those future fans who are not around yet will wish they had lived to see the great Jimmie Johnson race.
As Jimmie said on NASCAR Race Hub a few weeks ago, "I've spent the majority of my career not being successful, so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can."
-David Dubczak
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Atrocity that was Talladega, and the Last Great Danger in Stock Cars
I was so pumped for Talladega. This track is one of the coolest tracks in NASCAR, and I get excited for both its races every season. I could always count on seeing some of the weirdest and wackiest stuff happen here.
At least, that was until yesterday.
You see, at Talladega, especially in the era of the COT, the drivers don’t just count on drafting, but bump-drafting. With the COT, the bumpers line up well enough to allow drivers to do this with relative ease (at least, easier than the old cars).
The coolest thing we saw with the bump-draft was the two-car breakaways – when two cars would be literally touching bumper-to-bumper, and the aerodynamics allowed them to fly 10 miles-per-hour faster than the other cars.
But, not any more.
In the driver’s meeting, NASCAR warned the drivers that bump-drafting would not be tolerated in the corners (to make the breakaway effective, the cars needed to be hooked up for at least half a lap).
In their defense, it was for safety – if the bumping was done wrong, it could cause a multi-car pileup. But that’s all I’ll give them.
What you saw on Sunday were drivers running scared – not scared of the track, not scared of the speed, not scared of being in the “big one,” but scared of doing something wrong by NASCAR.
This took away one of the biggest tools for the driver at this track, and changed the strategy for many of them. It took away what was an element of unpredictability and left drivers wondering what they were going to do.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. commented, “it’s like the NFL going from tackle football to two-hand touch.”
Watching the ABC broadcast, one could hear the disgust in the drivers’ voices, as well as those of the broadcasters.
Fans on NASCAR’s Facebook page were outraged: “NASCAR has ruined their best race,” “Something happen, anything happen…” “The FOOD channel is more exciting than this race” were only some of the comments.
To this, NASCAR issued a plea to its facebook fans to try and explain themselves, “Everyone could use a push at Talladega, but the wrong push can result in all-out chaos.”
Pardon me, but isn’t that how Talladega has always been anyway?
The drivers were so scared of getting penalized by NASCAR that they were unwilling to actually race. Instead, they were content to ride around single file most of the day, because it was the safest thing to do – not from a performance or competition standpoint, but because they didn’t want to break the new rule.
I’ve never been one to bash NASCAR, but look…
This is racing. Sometimes cars crash, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The driver’s don’t want to crash, and will prevent it to the best of their ability. But, when it comes down to it, the only way not to crash is not to race, which is pretty much what we saw.
And, I’m not so certain all these rules didn’t cause more dangerous racing. Ryan Newman didn’t seem to think so either.
Newman, who was involved in a wreck that sent him airborne, after telling the fans they should all “just go home,” listed the sides of the box NASCAR has the drivers in:
• The restrictor plate
• The car
• The yellow line
• The no-bump-drafting rule
These drivers are professionals, but were being treated like kindergarteners (remember, some of them have been racing since they were in kindergarten). They know how to not crash; NASCAR doesn’t need to explain it to them. But, they lost their ability to do what they needed to do to win.
Once again, I don’t like to bash NASCAR – it is, and always will be, my favorite sport. This weekend was, however, the first time I have been absolutely livid with a decision by the sanctioning body. Too bad the drivers can’t book them for Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR rule book.
These drivers are professionals. Just let them do what they need to do.
Other NASCAR Notes
After watching Ryan Newman’s wild flip, and the subsequent extrication process, I came to the conclusion that getting out of the car is the last great danger in stock car racing.
A stock car is not like an Indy car where the driver can just hop out – there is a lot of stuff in the cockpit, and the window is very small. On top of that, the drivers have to twist themselves like a contortionist just to be able to get to and from their seat.
When Newman crashed, he said the roll cage came down on top of his helmet, and the car was upside down.
Can you imagine if the car was on fire?
It takes easily 20 seconds to get out of the car when it’s right side up and undamaged. If Newman’s car had erupted in flames while the roll cage was bent and the car was upside down at the furthest point between two safety vehicles…
It appears getting out of the car is the last great danger in stock car racing.
_____
Also, the Nationwide COT looks waaay cool, especially the Mustang and the Challenger. Check them out here (nascar.com).
I can’t wait to see cars that actually look like their namesake again. Way to go Dodge and Ford. It will be interesting to see the results of the test at Talladega this week.
-David Dubczak
At least, that was until yesterday.
You see, at Talladega, especially in the era of the COT, the drivers don’t just count on drafting, but bump-drafting. With the COT, the bumpers line up well enough to allow drivers to do this with relative ease (at least, easier than the old cars).
The coolest thing we saw with the bump-draft was the two-car breakaways – when two cars would be literally touching bumper-to-bumper, and the aerodynamics allowed them to fly 10 miles-per-hour faster than the other cars.
But, not any more.
In the driver’s meeting, NASCAR warned the drivers that bump-drafting would not be tolerated in the corners (to make the breakaway effective, the cars needed to be hooked up for at least half a lap).
In their defense, it was for safety – if the bumping was done wrong, it could cause a multi-car pileup. But that’s all I’ll give them.
What you saw on Sunday were drivers running scared – not scared of the track, not scared of the speed, not scared of being in the “big one,” but scared of doing something wrong by NASCAR.
This took away one of the biggest tools for the driver at this track, and changed the strategy for many of them. It took away what was an element of unpredictability and left drivers wondering what they were going to do.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. commented, “it’s like the NFL going from tackle football to two-hand touch.”
Watching the ABC broadcast, one could hear the disgust in the drivers’ voices, as well as those of the broadcasters.
Fans on NASCAR’s Facebook page were outraged: “NASCAR has ruined their best race,” “Something happen, anything happen…” “The FOOD channel is more exciting than this race” were only some of the comments.
To this, NASCAR issued a plea to its facebook fans to try and explain themselves, “Everyone could use a push at Talladega, but the wrong push can result in all-out chaos.”
Pardon me, but isn’t that how Talladega has always been anyway?
The drivers were so scared of getting penalized by NASCAR that they were unwilling to actually race. Instead, they were content to ride around single file most of the day, because it was the safest thing to do – not from a performance or competition standpoint, but because they didn’t want to break the new rule.
I’ve never been one to bash NASCAR, but look…
This is racing. Sometimes cars crash, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The driver’s don’t want to crash, and will prevent it to the best of their ability. But, when it comes down to it, the only way not to crash is not to race, which is pretty much what we saw.
And, I’m not so certain all these rules didn’t cause more dangerous racing. Ryan Newman didn’t seem to think so either.
Newman, who was involved in a wreck that sent him airborne, after telling the fans they should all “just go home,” listed the sides of the box NASCAR has the drivers in:
• The restrictor plate
• The car
• The yellow line
• The no-bump-drafting rule
These drivers are professionals, but were being treated like kindergarteners (remember, some of them have been racing since they were in kindergarten). They know how to not crash; NASCAR doesn’t need to explain it to them. But, they lost their ability to do what they needed to do to win.
Once again, I don’t like to bash NASCAR – it is, and always will be, my favorite sport. This weekend was, however, the first time I have been absolutely livid with a decision by the sanctioning body. Too bad the drivers can’t book them for Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR rule book.
These drivers are professionals. Just let them do what they need to do.
Other NASCAR Notes
After watching Ryan Newman’s wild flip, and the subsequent extrication process, I came to the conclusion that getting out of the car is the last great danger in stock car racing.
A stock car is not like an Indy car where the driver can just hop out – there is a lot of stuff in the cockpit, and the window is very small. On top of that, the drivers have to twist themselves like a contortionist just to be able to get to and from their seat.
When Newman crashed, he said the roll cage came down on top of his helmet, and the car was upside down.
Can you imagine if the car was on fire?
It takes easily 20 seconds to get out of the car when it’s right side up and undamaged. If Newman’s car had erupted in flames while the roll cage was bent and the car was upside down at the furthest point between two safety vehicles…
It appears getting out of the car is the last great danger in stock car racing.
_____
Also, the Nationwide COT looks waaay cool, especially the Mustang and the Challenger. Check them out here (nascar.com).
I can’t wait to see cars that actually look like their namesake again. Way to go Dodge and Ford. It will be interesting to see the results of the test at Talladega this week.
-David Dubczak
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