Nascar Is Back!!!!

[Patrick631]

After a long three months we have the big race today. I can't wait. I am hoping that we are quite today so I don't miss any of the race.

Stay Safe!

Patrick

[MetalMedic]

And it is about time! Not sure if I will be able to go to a race this year except for the NCTS race I will be doing Fire/Safety duties in May at the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway.

[firefightergtp]

I have to say, two years ago I might have made fun of nascar fans. But today I woke up with a new vigor, I couldnt wait for the race today!!! #48 !!!!!!!!! I got into nascar last season, and I havent been able to peel myself away since!

[StLRes2cue]

Drive Fast, Slow Down, Turn Left, Repeat....500 Times !

ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I respectfully decline to watch. I'll stick to my St. Louis Blues...hold on a sec....DAMN!

Ok...tell me who is in the #3 car and explain the point system. I'll watch.:D

[snowball]

Originally posted by StLRes2cue
[B][SIZE=3]

Ok...tell me who is in the #3 car and explain the point system. I'll watch.:D
That # will probably never be seen on a Nextel Cup car again. As for the point system, I don't understand it either. :rolleyes:

[firefightergtp]

The point system is a very complicated system , Ill sum it up alittle for you guys:

Each driver is rewarded a certain number of points each race, there is a cap on how many points one can earn in any given race.

Points are awarded for the following:

Laps raced
Laps lead (up to 5 laps I believe)
# of gained positions


The points system was put together to make racing alittle more "fair". While many disagree, some of the points system does make sense.

Im sure points are awarded for other things too.

[Dave1983]

Used to be a big fan. Havent watched since the death of "The Intimidator"

RIP 3

:( :( :(

[CaptainGonzo]

We have a NASCAR pool going on my shift. If your driver finishes in the top ten, you stay in. If he doesn't, you lost. The pool covers the season or until all the drivers have been eliminated. $10 bucks to get in, the person who's driver is left wins the pot.

[Pretender764]

#88 Dale Jarrett is my favorite driver, I always had fun teasing my dad when he would be ahead since my dad is a Tony Stewart fan. I havent watched NASCAR since I left home though.

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by Dave1983
Used to be a big fan. Havent watched since the death of "The Intimidator"

RIP 3

:( :( :(

Do you think Dale Earnhardt would have wanted you to stop watching?

[CaptainGonzo]

I had picked Michael Waltrip... he just dropped out with a blown engine.... :( :mad:

[Dave1983]

Originally posted by MetalMedic


Do you think Dale Earnhardt would have wanted you to stop watching?

Good point...Probably not. But my other favorite driver, Davey Allison, died as well. Although his was not on the track, I think I may have have some kind of curse:eek:

I was keeping track of Dale Jr. in the paper, and that crap with NASCAR takeing points away from him for a heat of the moment comment was a joke. Another example of how the PC crowd is going to ruin this country;)

[captstanm1]

Dale Jr Gave it his best...but.....Gordon prevailed...and steward failed!

I watched the start and the last 20 laps.... As someone else said... It was all left turns.... and 11 or 12 cautions!

[firenresq77]

I've never been a diehard NASCAR fan, but occasionally watch it....... Had to work today so I was unable to catch the race......

[Patrick631]

Just got home from watching the race. I have to say that was one of the best Daytona 500's in several years. I'm not a Gordon fan, but I must say I'd rather see him take the win over JR. any day.

And how about Scott Wimmer in that #22 car. Gave me flashbacks to Elliot Salder.

I'm just happy that we are racing agian.

Patrick

[hwoods]

Great Season opener......... Saw something new, a loose tire cap, or was it the whole tire? I couldn't tell from my seat. And, true to form, we get a call in the middle of the race, for (What else?) an auto accident.:eek: :eek:

[pete892]

Yes, I missed the Daytona 500 this year. I was there last year but now I had to be content with watching it on my daughter and son-in-law's big screen TV.

Great race which finally cured my NASCAR withdrawls. Good meal too. We did a prime rib in a turkey fryer. No joke.

Stay safe,

Pete

[FF715MRFD]

Glad to hear it was a good race. I got to watch just long enough to see Bobby Labonte blow up and lose my money in the pool. About lap 20 we got toned out to mutual-aid a department from another county with a house fire. When we got there the house was fully involved and the fire had gotten to two other buildings. Of course we had freezing rain here all day to make things even more fun.

[chiefswife]

It was a great to see Nascar back.None of my favorites
won.There is always the next race.I will miss the nascar
pools this year.Hubby went to Iraq to be a FF.Its nice to
see Nascar Fans on the forum.Have a nice week!

[MetalMedic]

ANYBODY but Gordon!!! With this being Mark Martin's last season, it will be hard for me to get into it as much next year.

[Truck106]

I'm glad the season's back now I'll have something to watch on Sunday.
It was a good race in spite of who won.

[firefighterbeau]

I'll second the ''anybody but Gordon'', i really would have liked to see Mark Martin win it, being his last season. I thought it was kinda boring until the last 30 laps or so, the 2 wrecks were pretty interesting.

[firefightergtp]

Well, my first pick was Jimmie Johnson, but unfortunetly, he couldnt make the pass, he was close though in the last lap!!! Good for Jeff, I would rather see him win that JR.

Well, doesnt surprise me in the least that Stewart is starting his immature crap early in the season though...

[EastKyFF]

Saw first 40 laps, got called to a 2x fatal MVC, saw last 32 laps. Wild day.

[snowball]

Originally posted by Dave1983


Good point...Probably not. But my other favorite driver, Davey Allison, died as well. Although his was not on the track, I think I may have have some kind of curse:eek:

I was keeping track of Dale Jr. in the paper, and that crap with NASCAR takeing points away from him for a heat of the moment comment was a joke. Another example of how the PC crowd is going to ruin this country;)

Dave I feel your pain man. I was a big fan of Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison and lost them both in the same year. So I decided to go with Earnhardt. We all know how that ended. Now I kinda like Tony Stewart, he wasn't spoon fed. His parents put up a second on thier home to buy him a sprinter and said the rest was up to him. He doesn't take any crap and he doesn't pull any punches. See you in Vegas.

[Trkco1]

See you in Vegas.

Fontana Califorina is the next race.

I too was a huge Dale Sr. fan, so I'm also floating on who I am rooting for. I like Jr. but agree on the statement that he was spoon fed.

[Maverick9110E]

dang fairy boy won. dangit dangit. idk what happend the last few laps but mcmurray just out of no where dropped like a rock, and marlin...well he just kept going backwards.

[Dave1983]

If I was still watching, what a crappy way to start the season. Gordon winning the 500:eek: :rolleyes: :mad:

[Maverick9110E]

lol i know what ya mean. that last lap i found myself screaming " somebody, anybody...PASS HIM!!!!"

[snowball]

Originally posted by Trkco1


Fontana Califorina is the next race.

I too was a huge Dale Sr. fan, so I'm also floating on who I am rooting for. I like Jr. but agree on the statement that he was spoon fed.
Yes but I don't have tickets to that race.:p :D :D

[JorieH]

Ok, must ask; my father just gives me looks when I ask this, so I'm going to ask all of you who are so fascinated by this:

How is this interesting? It's a bunch of cars gong round n round at a high speed(most of the time). Then someone crashes or looses control, personally I become concerned about the drivers safety. You can watch the same thing if you just sit at the side of a busy road.

How is this a sport? There's no intense physical activity.

There's actually a point system? Is it less confusing then the scoring in tennis? Cause, can't understand that either. Now hockey's a sport and interesting to watch!

Please I'm very curious about this fascination with NASCAR.
The safety suits and devices in the cars are interesting! :)

[DaSharkie]

Have to be honest, I watch it for the wrecks and the last 10 - 20 laps when things start heating up and bumping and grinding starts happening.

I used to be into it pretty big, but lost interest about 4 or 5 years ago.

The Superspeedways used be real fun to watch but then they put those restrictor plates on the cars so they don't run as fast as I like.

Of course the races at Bristol, TN are fun 'cuz the track is a half mile around and when you stick 40 cars in there, you know there's going to be some fun. :D

[snowball]

For me I grew up around two things, the Fire Service and auto racing. I have been exposed to racing since I was old enough to walk. My father raced at an old track that has since been torn down, and other tracks that are still going strong. Much like the Fire Service, racers are a small family. I personally have been in my own car ( a Ford Focus Miget) for about a year now. I have yet to not make a main or a heat due to mechanical problems. I broke a rear end gear last year and I thought my night was done until a (COMPETITOR) loaned me another one. There is a lot of skill involved in racing besides just going fast and turning left. There are braking strategies, and throttle strategies. There are a lot of rules to follow that go right down to the type of fuel you can burn, to the compound of tire you can run for that particular event. There are very stringent safety rules that must be adhered to, for example, the 5 point harness that I use can not be over two years old. The top of the roll cage can not be within 2 3/4" inches of my helmet.

Anyway, I don't mean to bore you, but I personally find racing exciting and a great stress reliever ( except when I put it in the fence :mad: ) There are a lot of really nice people who race and they (like the Fire Service) tend to take care of thier own.

It's not just for rednecks anymore:D

[JorieH]

Originally posted by snowball
There is a lot of skill involved in racing besides just going fast and turning left. There are braking strategies, and throttle strategies. There are a lot of rules to follow that go right down to the type of fuel you can burn, to the compound of tire you can run for that particular event. There are very stringent safety rules that must be adhered to, for example, the 5 point harness that I use can not be over two years old. The top of the roll cage can not be within 2 3/4" inches of my helmet.

Anyway, I don't mean to bore you, but I personally find racing exciting and a great stress reliever ( except when I put it in the fence :mad: ) There are a lot of really nice people who race and they (like the Fire Service) tend to take care of thier own.

It's not just for rednecks anymore:D

You haven't bored me, I'm curious.:)

What kind of skill? What's the strategies? Rules? What's the 5 point harness?~Please use simple terms, I'm not a mechanic. :D

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by JorieH


You haven't bored me, I'm curious.:)

What kind of skill? What's the strategies? Rules? What's the 5 point harness?~Please use simple terms, I'm not a mechanic. :D

I have never raced on a track, but I work motorsports safety at both an oval track and also at some road courses. On both the ovals and the road circuits, there is a tremendous amount of skill involved. I have participated in a performance driving school at the road course I work at, so I have experienced some of this first hand. What the average person sees is a car being driven around in a circle. What they don't realize is that each curve has very specific characteristics that have to be recognized by the driver in order to drive through it fast. You have to know where to apply your breaks, when to accelerate, what part of the track do you need to be in (left, center or right) and then you need to know EXACTLY when to turn and at what angle you want to make tha turn. If you turn too early, you end up going being too close to the edge at the other end of the curve. If you turn too late, you will likely lose control of the car because you have to make a sever correction to keep from driving right into the wall in front of you. You need to know where the "apex" is... which is the point on the inside of the turn where you want to have your car closest to the inside edge of the race surface and you can drive the fastest.

On a road course, you have to identify several different turns and execute each one perfectly to make the most speed. On an oval, you only need to know the two (or four depending on the oval design) turns, but you will have to navigate each one PERFECTLY each time in order to be competative.

I'll let Snowball talk strategy since he has experience in that area. As for the 5-point harnes, your car should have a safety belt system with a lap belt and a shoulder harness. With this configuration, you have 3 "points" where the ends of the belts are attached to the car. With a five point system, the driver is much more securely strapped to the car with a belt across the lap (2 points). Then there are two belts that go vertically up and over each shoulder (2 points), and a single belt that goes between your legs and to the floor (1 point). These all connect in one central "latch" at the lap belt. When you are properly strapped in to a 5-point harness, you literally feel like you are one with the car. Each movement is felt as you are tucked tightly in the seat. It is actually a very comfortable feeling to me, but you are certainly restricted in any movement of your body.

[EastKyFF]

You'll hear drivers talk about "fast lines" and "slow lines", which refer to where on the track their car is fast and slow.

There is strategy on fuel refills--if you're getting 42 laps out of a tank of fuel and there are 43 left, do you risk positions to get more gas or risk running out to keep positions?

There is strategy on drafting. At the superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona, the cars' suspensions are set up to make them handle properly for that type of track. The setup creates a big vaccuum right behind the back end of the car. This means that somebody gets right on your tail and has less wind resistance on the front of the car, meaning all of you are faster. Drafts of 15-20 cars are common, and if you get out of the draft, you're toast. Recruiting other guys via radio during the race is a major ingredient to form an "alliance" for drafting and winning. How long do those alliances hold? Watch n' see!

It may not involve direct physical competition, but it's physically demanding. Try spending 3 1/2 hours in a 120-degree car while wearing a fire-resistant suit.

The human factor is the big appeal to me. I have been a Dale Jarrett fan since '93 when he won at Daytona while his dad was calling the race as the TV color commentator. "Come on, son! Don't let him around you!" You don't see stuff like that in any old sport.

It's also a unique sport because every single competitor is at the same event at the same time. The NFL has, what, 32 teams playing on the same day, but only two teams at each city. The NEXTEL Cup has 43 cars on the track at the same time and same place, so you turn on one channel and you and ten of your friends can all root for different favorites.

I could go on all day. It's a unique sport. If you want to read a little more, check out http://www.nascar.com/kyn/nascar_101/ for an explanation of sponsors, points, and more.

DALE'S GONNA DRIVE THE TRUCK!!

[spearsm]

Jorie, If you could just go and watch one in person; See the "rubbin is racin" tactics, the 190 MPH lane changes-drafting mistakes- "getting under him". Kissing the wall- coming from the back of the pack- 4 wide...........Oh boy, your perception would change. The sound of the pack as they scream to the green.

I was only into dirt track racing because watching it on tv seemed like it would be like watching Golf(no offense, guys. I will play but I can not watch) But the moment that I experienced it, I was hooked. They call me Dale, Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty, Rusty, Awsome Bill Irvin, Gordon, Earnhardt, Smith....Johnson....Jr.:D :D :D

[ThNozzleman]

NASCAR used to be interesting, back when they actually raced modified versions of stock automobiles. Now, they are just full-blown race cars that vaguely resemble what you can buy at a dealership. If you want to make it really interesting, take it back to where what you see raced on Sunday is pretty close to what you can buy on Monday. Real competition between manufactuers. Also, the restrictor plates should be done away with. If they are going too fast into the turns, use the brakes and gears...you know, DRIVE.

[DaSharkie]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
NASCAR used to be interesting, back when they actually raced modified versions of stock automobiles. Now, they are just full-blown race cars that vaguely resemble what you can buy at a dealership. If you want to make it really interesting, take it back to where what you see raced on Sunday is pretty close to what you can buy on Monday. Real competition between manufactuers. Also, the restrictor plates should be done away with. If they are going too fast into the turns, use the brakes and gears...you know, DRIVE.

I'm with ya there man. (I think people in hte proverbial Hell just got ice water.) :p

Talladega's record speed was over 200 mph. Used to hit over 190 in the races. Took a lot of fun out of it.

Also, now Ford and Dodge race sedans? Screw that, make a coupe. That is the way it has pretty much been.

The manufacturers used to really be heavily involved, remember Richard Petty's Road Runner? The old Grand Prixs and Monte Carlos?

Learn how to drive, brake, shift, draft, and use more skills.

[CaptainGonzo]

The theme of the manufacturer's ties with NASCAR was

race on Sunday, buy on Monday

About the only thing a present day NASCAR racer has in common with the family sedan is the brand name only, but then if you look at all forms of auto racing, it's the same whether it Formula One, CART, Indy or the NHRA.

The only race that even resembled what's close to what we all drive was the IROC series. One make of car, modified from the street version and kept to standard., It was the skill of the driver that determined who took the checkered flag and who finished second to last.

[JorieH]

Never knew there was so much info about this. I'll have to look at the link later, thanks.

Before the race starts on a road course, is the driver allowed to drive through the course to get formularized with the turns?

[DaSharkie]

Yes. That is how their starting place is determined and this is what they call "qualifying." Gives the driver a chance to get used to that particular car and engine. A team has about a half dozen or more cars for different types of tracks, and since the cars are turning left AND right, the car needs to be tuned differently than the regular ovals. Each car has its own little quirks from listening to the drivers too.

[Maverick9110E]

actually dodge is not using the intrepid anymore their using the charger which should have been a coupe, and ford....well ford is F.O.R.D. what do u expect. :P cant forget the excitment of pit stops under the green flag with like 25 laps to go.

[Rebekkerz]

I am huge NASCAR fan.
Its about passing, drafting, controling a car on coarses at top speeds with compeditors inches off your sides and rear.
I was so excited for the Daytona race. Im one of the crazy people who will even listen to it on the radio if Im not near the TV.
It started with watching on sundays for the crashes and the exciting last 5 laps. Then we would have sunday cook outs for the races and play them on the radio while we ate and threw shoes.
Now Im addicted! I love the races. But I guess Im not as bad as some people. My friend makes sure that shes home sundays for the races her husband (not as dedicated) gets a little annoyed some times. Im sure there are worse things she could make him do.
Well I was that excited to see Gordon win. Would have rather seen Jr. take it. But it was a great last 3 laps, well race I couldnt believe how many ended up out. BUT WERE DID BUSCH COME FROM? that irritated me.
Well Ive blabed enough. Wish I could have been in Daytona again this year but maybe next year. Lets see how Vegas goes.

Hey who out there thinks that this 10 race thing is a sham???

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by JorieH

Before the race starts on a road course, is the driver allowed to drive through the course to get formularized with the turns?

Road Courses.. My Specialty (I am on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Safety Team). The road course events normally begin with a track tour (or at least they are given the opportunity to tour the track). Sometimes this is very organized with a van driving drivers and crew chiefs around the track. Other times, it is a walk around or the can take a bicycle around the course. Prior to qualifications, there are always practice sessions where the drivers take their cars on course and their crews can make adjustments to make the cars handle better and/or run faster on the course. Normally there are 2-3 of these sessions to allow for some off-track time where the race vehicles are taken to the garages in the "paddock" for more extensive adjustments (or repairs if they get "biffed" on the course).

After the practice sessions, most sanctioning bodies run open course qualifications. For a specific period of time, groups of cars are on course and each lap they make is timed. The fastest of the laps determines their starting order in the race. Some sanctions will even run two qualification sessions to give teams a chance to improve on their first attempts. In this case, the pole sitter from the first session is normally "locked in" to that pole.

Lots of other interesting things about road course... but that is enough to digest for now.

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
If you want to make it really interesting, take it back to where what you see raced on Sunday is pretty close to what you can buy on Monday. Real competition between manufactuers.

I agree 100%! No one can buy a rear wheel drive 2-door Taurus with a carborated engine!!

While I am thinking about this... can anyone tell me exactly what is now "stock" on a stock car? As I recall, it used to be a stock hood, roof and engine block... but I am sure that has changed. I can't keep up!!

[CaptOldTimer]

Yes NASCAR is back and running again. They will let the driver win, who Brian France wants to win. Daytona was an example. As soon as gordon got the lead from Dale Jr., Nascar threw a caution flag and this put little jeffy in the position the drag race every one else to win. Look at the race of a couple years ago when ward burton won and michael waltrip won. Did they win again or anu more races that year? Nope, Nascar wanted these drivers to win the big show to draw people to other tracks to see the big winner.

This and the NFL, NHL and NBA doesn't get turned in on my TV's any more.


Number 3 Dale Earnhardt was and is still the BEST!!!









:p

[Maverick9110E]

now for the car to be called stock all it has to do is meet the deign templete from the manfacture and have the right decals.

[Rebekkerz]

Number 3 Dale Earnhardt was and is still the BEST!!!

Of course, The best racer on the track. But you have to addmit his kids not doing bad for the family name. He raced a great year last year and should have won, too bad for that End of the season 10 race to the top s#*t.

Nope, Nascar wanted these drivers to win the big show to draw people to other tracks to see the big winner.

Yah but if Jr. had won I think more people would have been happier than Gordon winning. BAD CHOICE NASCAR! On that one. Jr.'s a bigger fan favorite than Gordon (If at all he can try for a close second to Jr.)

[FTMPTB15]

This and the NFL, NHL and NBA doesn't get turned in on my TV's any more.

DANG... you must only watch History Channel and Animal Planet! Needless to say, NHL doesn't get turned on my TV either.. even if there was an NHL.

How bout that #16!

[NYI4LIFE]

Stewart had a very bad car today in california, but Rainbow warrior slipped down:D

by the way......GO ISLANDERS!! (nhl RIP):mad:

[FTMPTB15]

Ha, stewart wasn't the only one w/ a bad car! Hendrick.. look at their cars dropping! Also, JR had a wonderful time w/ that front left fender.. oh well, they'll get it right. Just was soo happy to see the 'ol rainbow warrior get the Black Flag! If he'd won again this week, I'd quit!

[EFD840]

While I am thinking about this... can anyone tell me exactly what is now "stock" on a stock car? As I recall, it used to be a stock hood, roof and engine block... but I am sure that has changed. I can't keep up!!

Nozz, you must have been a NASCAR fan in the mid-80s. Back in the days of the Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Thunderbird, and Magnum, the roof, trunk lid and hood all met factory specs. Those were great cars and they put on some great, great races.

Nothing is close now. NASCAR has gone to what they call a common template where the just make the windows, grille, and bumpers look something like the factory vehicle.

I've been a NASCAR fan all my life but it gets harder every year. The PC crowd that is eliminating the colorful personalities (see Jimmy Spencer v. Kurt Busch), the jacked-up new points system, the abandoning of tradition in favor of television markets (see Rockingham and the Southern 500), and the blatently fake wooing of the MTV crowd (see Lenny Kravitz, Britney Spears, Pam Anderson, Ashton Kucher, et al.) are all conspiring to make it harder and harder for me to find the sport that I once loved above all others. I just can't decide if Mike Helton and Brian France have always been alien sleeper agents or if there are a couple of pods in the basement of NASCAR headquarters.

Viva la Allison (Bobby)
Viva la Petty (Richard)
Viva la Yarborough

Death to the "lucky dog" rule! Real drivers EARN their lap back!!!!!

One more thought...

Neither Earnhardt Sr. nor Tim Richmond would ever get a ride in today's NASCAR. I wonder just how much driving magic we're missing because Moustache Mike and Baby France care more about Wall Street's opinion than that of Row 24, Talladega Grandstand.

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by EFD840



Death to the "lucky dog" rule! Real drivers EARN their lap back!!!!!



I agree 100% with everything you said except for that statement. Being a motorsports safety worker, I do not see any logic in racing to the yellow. HOWEVER, I also did not like the "automatic lap back" for the first person that was a lap down. I am in the minority that supported scoring the last completed lap when a yellow flag comes out. My logic was that a race is not completed until you cross the start finish line, so a lap is not completed when a yellow flag comes out... therefore, the fair thing to do is to score the last lap that was completed under racing conditions.

[EFD840]

I am in the minority that supported scoring the last completed lap when a yellow flag comes out. My logic was that a race is not completed until you cross the start finish line, so a lap is not completed when a yellow flag comes out... therefore, the fair thing to do is to score the last lap that was completed under racing conditions.

I COMPLETELY concur! I guess I should have been clearer in my post. Except for perhaps letting the leaders race to the finish if they've taken the white flag and the caution comes out behind them, there is no reason to even consider letting drivers race back to the caution. Pretty much every short track in America simply reverts back to the last completed green flag lap to set the field and it works fine. No scoring loops, no confusion, no arguments.

It is the freebie give-back I hate. You can be a car length from going two laps down and you will be right back with a potential to win the race. If you're a lap down then you should prove you're deserving to race for the win by getting up there and passing the leader!

[shvfr4]

I like Earnhardt. But now that he is gone, I don't have a favorite anymore.

We did a pool though. $10 a car and the max was 4. then we drew numbers out of a hat and what ever number you pulled ou was the driver you had for the race.

1st got $200
2nd$100
10th$30
20th$25
30$25
Last$25

Did anyone hear about Jimmy Johnson being a meterosexual? Or jeff Gordon being one?

[ThNozzleman]

Nozz, you must have been a NASCAR fan in the mid-80s. Back in the days of the Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Thunderbird, and Magnum, the roof, trunk lid and hood all met factory specs. Those were great cars and they put on some great, great races.
Yes, I was...even in the 70's (huge Richard Petty fan). I really enjoyed the competition between the different manufactuers. Unlike most NASCAR fans, I actually know the difference between a crankshaft and a coil spring.
Nothing is close now. NASCAR has gone to what they call a common template where the just make the windows, grille, and bumpers look something like the factory vehicle.
Exactly. They've turned it into a sissy match where everyone is equal and they don't want anyone to get hurt. No wonder the Europeans laugh at it. Hell, I guess the last straw for me was the "speed limit" on pit road. What a joke. You can blame the problem on "PC Crowd" but the plain truth is that $$$$ is to blame. They've made NASCAR a nationwide (even international) event, and taken it away from what it used to be. My father and his brother used to race stock cars back in the day, and even though I don't remember much about it, I still like to listen to my mother tell stories about it.
I'm the most liberal guy you'll ever meet, but there's something about rooting for the "Tampax/Fresh Mornings/Viagra Ford" that just takes it out of me.

[ThNozzleman]

Hey, while we're on this subject, I always wondered if a "Classic" version of NASCAR would fly. You know...the cars of the 60's and early 70's in original trim, with modern day safety features. Running the same engines they did in the day. Even if they just ran 20-50 demo laps before the main event, I can't help but think it would be a tremendous attraction, especially to guys like me. They have similar "nostalgic" classes in drag racing, and the crowds love 'em. Just a thought.

[CaptainGonzo]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
Hey, while we're on this subject, I always wondered if a "Classic" version of NASCAR would fly. You know...the cars of the 60's and early 70's in original trim, with modern day safety features. Running the same engines they did in the day. Even if they just ran 20-50 demo laps before the main event, I can't help but think it would be a tremendous attraction, especially to guys like me. They have similar "nostalgic" classes in drag racing, and the crowds love 'em. Just a thought.

Yeah.. if you can find them! Most of the 60 and 70's muscle cars are either highly sought after collectibles (a neighbor of mine has a 1970 Chevelle SS396... Sweet!), rotting in an automotive boneyard or have already been scrapped.

[EFD840]

Hey, while we're on this subject, I always wondered if a "Classic" version of NASCAR would fly.

Check out these guys:

The Historic Stock Car Racing Group (http://www.genefeltonrestorations.com/Pages/HSCRG/hscrg.htm)

You can also watch many of the older races on ESPN Classic. They're always showing stuff from the early and middle 80s.

I just blame the PC crowd for taking the personalities out of it. Everyone's afraid to get a liitle mad or show a little emotion. Newsflash - that's what made the sport popular in the first place. The Bobby Allison/Cale Yarborough fight after the '79 Daytona 500 is credited with putting NASCAR on the map. If Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick pulled that today they would probably be suspended for the season and lose their rides.

If I wanted to see glamour and glitz I would watch Formula 1. I want to see guys try their hardest to win and I don't mind seeing them get upset when they lose - it makes me feel like racing is more than a job to them.

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
Hey, while we're on this subject, I always wondered if a "Classic" version of NASCAR would fly. You know...the cars of the 60's and early 70's in original trim, with modern day safety features. Running the same engines they did in the day.

I'd be just as happy if they ran a division using modern cars, but not the template bodies and purpose built engines. Kind of like a pure stock you see at a local weekly track that has all of the required safety equipment, but the body, engine and drive train you can go to your local dealer and buy right off the lot with limited modifications to make it race ready.