Auto Racing blog: 02/03/2008

8.3.08

Is it time to allow a little tire competition?

May be...

No, there has to be an even playing field. BFG would dominate like they do in Offroad racing if they were to come in.

i totally agree with u! i am a big tony stewart fan and i hated seein him hot the wall last week cuz of a blown tire. i think that goodyear needs to take a look at these tires they are makin and change somethin quick. cuz right now they suck!

I thought the tire failures were caused by the way the cars were setup. Too much camber on the rt frt overloading the tire.

I agree If Hoosiers Or Firestone- BF Goodrich was in the running Maybe Goodyear would step up a Little Bit!!!!!!!

yep, goodyear needs another tire manufacturer to compete with. I think it would only make the tires better. However, come raceday, everyone should be on the same tire. I don't know exactly how they would do that but I think it would be good for the sport.

Everyone has the same tires. There is nothing wrong with the Goodyear tires. Part of racing is tire management. The drivers or the crew chief has to manage the tires. If drivers don't know how to manage their tires they blow. Kyle Busch was over driving his car. He doesn't have a clue as to how to win races, he just goes till something happens.

This will keep happening till he learns to race. Racing is different than driving as fast as you can. If you blister your tires 20 laps before everyone else you are a lousy racer.

I think Goodyear is doing the best they can. I don't think anyone thought about snow for this weekend. The radials were a little hard, and the track was cold.

Go Jr.>>>>

Come on, these goodyears are blowing all over the place the last 2 seasons. Should Nascar allow other manufacturers. That way if they put out a bad tire teams can try another manufacturer?

Perhaps I am a little bitter with Rowdy's luck lately but, it is getting old.

First of all, NASCAR gets big bucks from Goodyear and they're not going to allow any other tire company in. Hoosier tried once, and it didn't work out.
Secondly, all of you Kyle Busch fans need to accept the fact that your boy overdrives his car. Today, the tires paid the price.

i think it is the tires

simple answer no. But if we put our money where our mouth is and stop going to the races and tell them why.we can change things.What is far worse is the chase in the cup series.If you are mediocre in the first part of the season you could be good in the last ten and still get a championship.Lots of lousy changes have taken place, but I have been watching since petty drove a ford for part of a season in protest that chrysler wouldn't give plymouth a wing like dodge.

I don't know if you can blame all of the tire problems solely on Goodyear. The tracks are older, the surfaces are more abrasive and the teams are being aggressive with car setups. However, we almost NEVER hear about Bridgestone/Firestone having problems in formerly Champ Car/IRL/Formula 1 where they are the exclusive tire supplier. P.S. Goodyear was in F1 but left thanks to the success of Bridgestone.

P.S. The technical term is "delamination."

Maybe if Goodyear had to compete with another tire manufacturer they would make better tires. Or maybe if the teams could run different tires they could beat Hendrick Motorsports. So my answer to your question is, "yes".

I agree. Something needs to be done about the tires.

That's the second week in a row I've watched my favorite driver dominate a race and then blow a tire near the end, losing his lead.

These tires suck and NASCAR isn't doing anything about it. They should let the teams decide what tires they want to spend money on. I mean, it's stupid to mandate teams to use the same tires when the manufacturer can't seem to get it together to make good quality racing tires.

These things just keep blowing left and right and nobody cares enough to say, "hey, maybe, just maybe, we should try something different."

I may also be a little bitter towards KB's luck these past two weeks. I know the kid has talent, there's no denying that, so then the problem with him leading and not having a decent finish, has to lie elsewhere. And it does: the tires are the problem.

Will someone from NASCAR please figure that out already?

I think something needs to be done. A part of the problem that you may not be thinking about is that they don't use the same tire or compound during the test sessions.

Why test a car without the tire they will be racing on, it makes NO sense.

And the problem with a few select Nascar fans is that they will say they don't care (because of which drivers have a tire go down), but as soon as it is their driver, they will be swarming these forums demanding justice.

Goodyear has proven it cannot handle any competition in auto racing. Hoosier kicked their butt pretty good back when Nascar allowed more than one tire manufacturer. Goodyear has been pushed out of F1 and Indycar racing because it can't compete. I don't have all the answers, but the tire situation in Nascar is ridiculous and something needs to change. If safety really is Nascar's big thing, they need to have a long talk with Goodyear.

I guess no one remembers the tire wars. It was a very dangerous time in the sport, with a VERY high rate of tire failures.

And, NASCAR asks Goodyear to make the tires harder to help eliminate tire blow outs. The tire they had this weekend is a very hard tire (Tony Stewart went on a nice long rant about it during practice today). Tire failures today were do to camber or low air pressures.

Competition ? Yes !!!....
A race here in Atlanta,between all the Big-Wigs at
GoodYear.... WITH !!!! The tire they brought here.

Yes, I would like to see Bridgestone or Hoosier able to compete with Goodyear for tire rights in NASCAR. I do agree that Goodyear misses the mark quite often with its tire formulas. However, I just have to throw this out here - Kyle Busch's problems weren't solely the tire. Between aggressive front-end setups and his aggressive driving style there is a problem. Look at how many other teams DID make the entire race on their tires. Once the kid learns to manage the RAW talent he clearly possesses and stop pushing his car, and tires for that matter, to the very edge of the envelope every race, I think you'll see him blow far fewer right front tires.

What do you think?

May be...

And the patriots never cheated? Its called gaming the system. Fabricate the truth for the benifit of the listener. Give me a rule book and I will follow it but if the rules are not in there, I will do it. Heres my philosophy, "Show me in writting that I cant do that?" People who complain about cheating are the same ones who complain about NASCAR rules. Help NASCAR out by filling up thier rule book by coming up with every possible infractions there is that can be attempted. Oh wait, they already have a commitee for that and they get paid. Not everyones perfect.

Actually, I'd say the crewchief's job is more to push every gray area to it's limit, rather than to out-and-out cheat. You find where the rules aren't defined clearly enough, and twist the h**l out of them (hopefully) to your advantage.
If you break an existing rule, you WILL be caught. If you push the envelope on a gray area, you may still get caught, but at least you can argue your case before you're fined, docked & suspended.
The issue here is that NASCAR operates on the Napoleonic Code: "Guilty until proven innocent".

Theres cheating every where now in all sports and NASCAR just happens to be one of them...After all its not cheating unless you get caught.. I'm sure all teams have cheated at once time or another...some get caught some don't..

Yeah, I answered a question similar to this earlier. These crew chiefs are paid an insane amount of money to find and exploit the little "gray" areas in the rule book, or any other competitive advantage possible for that matter. Jr. was right saying they got out-cheated. Nobody, including Jr., wanted to see him win like that.

I'd say all teams probably try a thing or two every race. I personally like that part of racing thats what makes it interesting. I say the teams that are crying foul are probably just mad they didn't think of it first.

The Long Time Saying--ITS ONLY CHEATING IF YOU GET CAUGHT!!!!!!!

from the old school...."if you ain't cheating , you ain't racing" lol.....

just alot harder to get away with it now......

this is a quote from Jr...It wouldn't matter to me because that wouldn't be a great way to win one," Earnhardt said. "I wouldn't find happiness or pride in that, so it makes no difference to me. When it comes down to it, you line them up and you race and the guy that crosses the finish line first is the winner. If you got out-cheated, you didn't do your homework вЂ" you know what I mean? You didn't do your homework."
you cant tell me all teams dont cheat...this isnt a jab at Jr...just all teams. i just thought it was interesting.

Like Jeff Hammond said, it's the crew chief's job to cheat and NASCAR's job to catch them. I have to agree that it is only cheating if you get caught! Why is it, if you hate Jr. so bad, that no matter what you post, it refers in some way to Jr.? Just curious.

Go Jr.>>>>

so basically he said he got out-cheated... which is true... Your right that everyone cheats, but some guys take it too far and get caught and NASCAR lays down the hammer... Case in point = Carl Edwards this past week

It's not interesting. It's old news. If anyone has watched NASCAR for many years, they know that all teams constantly look for ways to enhance their cars. You're not going to find a driver or crew chief who can honestly say that they haven't tried to get by with something here and there.

After all the drivers and people that would know came out this week and said what Edwards crew did was on purpose, that is a very interesting statement. Jeff Burton said that the oil cap thing has been done for years. Sadler said they always did that when he drove the 21 and the 38. You're right it is interesting.

Yeah..they all cheat Jr.Sucks !! Some just better than others.... These days...when a 2inch long piece of tape on the grill,decides wether or not you go... or go home... You could only imagine what little secrets,the big dogs have !! Thats why you only see maybe 10 out of 43 cars,win evert week !! I do know however,that the #16 came through the ''BACK'' of the pack [''2''] times last week.... With HIS oil-tank lid ''ON''

Who is your pick for the nationwide race today?

May be...

Matt Kenseth

Speed Racer.......

It's really hard to bet against Kyle Busch right now plus he's in the 20 car that has won the first 2 Nationwide races. I'm going with Shrub.

gordon, itchy, or montoya

Kyle Busch.

Stewart all the way
he ios the best one out there
no ones better bring it on gordon there is no way anyone can beat stewart

What makes you so sure they WILL in fact race?
Right now, the SNOW is gonna win.

im going with brad kesolowski

That would be cool to see Brad win for Dale Jr. But I think Dale Jr is gonna win, its his 100th nationwide (busch) start.

Jeff Burton

Kyle Busch has been the hottest drivers so far, I can see him winning the race today. Or somebody like a Dale Jr or Carl Edwards. Edwards has also been hot lately, winning his past 2 cup races. I expect a shootout today, so many good drivers in the race, its hard to pick a winner.

I am Cheering for Jeff Burton!!!!!!

Greg Biffle

Obama fer sureeee

How fast do whelen modifieds go?

May be...

on the nascar video games they get up to like 120 but i don't know if i would trust that

There speeds vary on track. Since most Whelen series tracks are short track, there speeds can be asa low as 45 mph all the way to around 139. Very rarely will they hit those top speeds. The average speed at the short tracks would be around 99mph.

It is entirely up to what track they are running on ( Lengthwise) and the drivers right foot!!!!!!!!!

Not nearly as fast as when ol' "Flyin' Flynn" Foonman was wheelin' them things.Man could he drive!

Who is gonna get the pole its starting now?

May be...

jeff gordon or jimmie johnson

Truex #1.

# 48

I'll say Mother Nature.

#88 Dale Jr or the #48 Jimmie Johnson...

Go Dale Jr & Hms

JEFF GORDON!!
~~~

i say 88

probably newman, he could break the record of poles won in atlanta if he does

#88 Dale Jr. - He was real fast in practice! (fastest by .4mph)
or
#12 Newman - He may not finish well all the time, but the Rocketman sure can qualify!

We were so close!!!
Congrats, Gordon.

newman

you got some cheaters here!!!...LOL

I will say Ryan Newman!!!!!!

#29 Kevin Harvick

#24

Jeff Gordon

Well it looks like Jeff Gordon won the pole. I was real surprised with that run only because he went out early and no one except Dale Jr came close to running the speed he ran. He was the only car I saw that throughout his lap his speed kept on increasing every turn and straightaway. Looks like LeTarte and the crew got it figured out for qualifying

I'd have to go with Newman. He's had 7 out of the last 10 at this track.

Go Jr.>>>>

Jeff Gordon

According to Ricky Bobby, if you don't chew Big Red...?

May be...

THEN F*CK YOU!

...then you're a lot less likely to get a big cancer in
your lower jaw and have to have the whole jaw
removed, which leaves your tongue hanging to
between your nipples and you have to tie it up
out of the way with a strap around your head.

you not big red

then **** you

In nicer terms then go screw yourself!!!!!!

Then f--- you. Why would you ask a question like that. Can't you think of anything NASCAR?

Go JR.>>>>

then fxck you. well, i looked it up on google and thats what it said [=

then go intercourse you! (The rated PG version)

then you can kiss my ***

According to Ricky Bobby, if you don't chew Big Red...?

May be...

you not big red

then **** you

In nicer terms then go screw yourself!!!!!!

then you can kiss my ***

THEN F*CK YOU!

then go intercourse you! (The rated PG version)

Then f--- you. Why would you ask a question like that. Can't you think of anything NASCAR?

Go JR.>>>>

then fxck you. well, i looked it up on google and thats what it said [=

7.3.08

According to Ricky Bobby, if you don't chew Big Red...?

May be...

then fxck you. well, i looked it up on google and thats what it said [=

In nicer terms then go screw yourself!!!!!!

THEN F*CK YOU!

then you can kiss my ***

then go intercourse you! (The rated PG version)

then **** you

Then f--- you. Why would you ask a question like that. Can't you think of anything NASCAR?

Go JR.>>>>

you not big red

Do you enjoy the old NASCAR races on ESPN Classic?

May be...

I think the old races are great your able to see drivers who have retired or passed away. I have always enjoyed NASCAR.

Yes, I do they bring back some great memories, but dang they remind me of how old I am especially when they show one that I was at.. I also love the Back in the Day on Speed TV. Theres nothing like the good ole days of Nascar.. Yes, I know what you mean about ESPN Classic's they could show them at a better hour, instead of bowling and golf.

I very much enjoy them. I especially enjoy those races at tracks no longer on the schedule, like Rockingham and North Wilkesborough. If I have an issue, I would like to see more road-course events, but that's nitpicking.

In about an hour, ESPN Classic will air the 1999 California 500. It's usually on Friday mornings (Thursday night) at 3am Eastern that they air NASCAR races from years past.

It's cool, especially if you were looking for something to fill in that 3am on Friday time slot.

If only ESPN Classic would air these during a decent hour instead of bowling or poker tournaments.

Yes I do enjoy it. I try to catch one at least once a week. Its pretty cool to look at the older cars and compare them to the COT . Its also fun to watch the many different driving style.

I really enjoy even older races, from the 80's. I live in the West Coast so its not to late for me

Yes I enjoy them a great deal!!!!!!!

It is cool to see some of the old races.

i like dale jr. with back in the day

They are awesome.. Get a DVR from Directv.. or whoever your provider is (maybe Tivo or w/e) but get that and you wont have to worry about what time it comes on and you can watch it ANYTIME

Name 3 Sponsors, 3 cars, and 3 drivers?

May be...

Driver- Kevin Swindell
Car- Dodge Charger (of course)
Sponsor- American Eagle Outfitters

I think Brad Coleman will be good. I'd put him in a Toyota, simply becasue they are running well now (even though I'm a Ford man), and I'd love to see a Nike car. I think it would look cool - the swoosh is supposed to symbolize speed after all. Someone also suggested Coke, witch would also be cook (with the occasional Coke Zero trim). Fun question.

Driver-Brad Kesolowski
Car-Impala SS
Sponser-Fender guitars

I'll just name one driver who will join the Cup Series in a few years:
Driver-Joey Lagano
Car-He'll drive a Toyota, but I'd like to see him drive a Chevrolet
Sponsor-How about an airline company like American Airlines? Realistically: Subway/Coca-Cola

Michael McDowell
Toyota
Sony Electronics

Driver- What new upcoming driver would you want in the car
Car- What type of car would you want him to drive, (or her)
Sponsor- What produce would you want them to endorse on the car?

What I can only wish for........
Joey Lagano
Dodge for Petty Enterprises
Sponsor--STP!!!!!!

Match them up however you want.

Stephen Leicht
Matt Crafton
Blake Bjorklund

Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry

Kronik Energy Drink
Alienware Computers
30 Seconds to Mars

Joey Lagano, in a Dodge sponsored by the PBR (Professional Bull Riding).
Be awsome to have riders like Ty Murray, J.W and Cody Hart, and Justin McBride hanging around!

Erin Crocker
Toyota
Tampex

Marcos Ambrose
Ford Fusion
Fosters Lager

Brad Kesolowski
Impala SS
Navy(hell why not just keep it with his Cup car)

Stephen Leicht
Impala SS
anybody, will someone give this guy a ride already?

Driver (1)
Driver--Brad Coleman
Car-- Ford Fusion
Sponsor--Houston Astros(He is from Houston)

Driver(2)
Driver--Marcos Ambrose
Car-- Ford Fusion
Sponsor-- Earl Campbell Hot Links with associate Kingsford charcoal

Driver(3)
Driver--Brad Kesolowski
Car-- Ford
Sponsor-- Crest Toothpaste(for obvious reasons)

6.3.08

Did NASCAR mess up?

May be...

They could have missed it--But I dont see how!!!!!!!

No. It just fell off during the race. The vibration could have loosened the bolt and fell off. These cars weren't made by God, **** happens.

I think the penalty is way to much but I think it might have just fallen off during the race

it got took off before the race

GOOD POINT!

Smells Fishy to me...jack rousch took it off.

Please tell me how Edwards car passed pre-race inspection and then failed post race. Did officials just miss it

Good point, if they are bolted on properly they shouldn't come off according #29's crew chief, and it really did not give him that much of an advantage out there on the track..

Why was Kelly Earnhardt not as popular?

May be...

Nascar fans?

May be...

not for sure but that sounds like a quote from Darrell Waltrip

you want to beВ fansВ need to learn history ,Richard Petty said this quot e in 1966 at either darlington or Atlanta after a hell of a crash! of coarse Sr tried to follow in petties foot steps even by steeling his quotes! he wouldn't make a pimple on petties butt as a driver on his best day!!

You win some, lose some, wreck some - Dale Earnhardt

Dale Sr who also said if you ain't first, you're the first loser...in regards to finishing second

"If you're not first, you're last" !!!

That would be "The Great" Dale Sr.

GO HARVICK & RCR!!!

You win some, lose some, wreck some - Dale Earnhardt

The Intimidator and he said 2nd place is the 1st loser !

who was the driver who said" you win some , lose some , wreck some" ive always loved that quote but i dont know which driver said it!

What can the Indy 500 fan do during race qualification or practice days?

May be...

We've been to the Indy 500 several times, but are considering skipping the race for 2008 and instead going to one or two days of qualification.

I'm not the type that wants to sit in the stands for hours. Other than watching a car shoot by every 60 seconds, what else is there to do during qualification days?

Can you roam around the pit area? Can you roam around the garage area?

I'm interested in taking my 3 year old son to see some cars up close, perhaps meet a driver, interesting things like that.

Finally, is there one qualification day that's better to attend than the others? I watch the Indy 500 qualifying every year on TV and can remember sometimes there are dry spells where there are no cars out on the track for a while. I definitely want to see as many cars as possible, short of going to the race itself. I was considering Pole Day because, well, it's Pole Day. :)

I would take your son on Pole Day. First you have the obvious excitement of the cars challenging for the pole position starting berth. But inside the track there are several interesting things to do.

The foremost thing is to go to the IMS Museum and Hall of Fame. It's located right on the infield between turns one and two. There is usually a wide assortment of racing cars and pace cars, including past winners of the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400. They used to have an F1 car on disply to promote the Grand Prix, but since that's off the schedule now, I kind of doubt it's there. Don't miss the photo archives which are upstairs. Excellent photos at a reasonable price.

Elsewhere on the grounds you'll find a good assortment of concession stands and buildings behind the pit road grandstands. There is a very nice and fairly large permanent Gift Shop which is right by the plaza. Often there are bands or other entertainment either before or after the track activity.

Be sure to check out the local racing in the greater Indianapolis area. It's one of the best areas in the country. Tracks I'd recommend include Indianapolis Raceway Park, which is just a few miles from the big track and the Indianapolis Speedrome, which is in the southeast section of the city. Both have nice shows with good seating.

Feel free to email me if you want further info.

There's a ton of promo events going on all day while practice and quals go on. you can meet he drivers, get autographs, see demos.....it's pretty busy, you might like it .

The Speedway has made the event much more einjoyable for the casual fan. There has always been the Speedway Museum on the grounds that is a "must see" for any fan. Also concerts, promoters booths, video games and other activities are available.

You will not be able to tour the garages or walk the pits without pit credentials.

First day of qualifying is usually the busiest. Recent rules changes have spread out the fun, though.

5.3.08

I think they should get rid of "The Chase" and go back to the old system. Which do you prefer and why?

May be...

I don't like the chase either. The fact that everyone's points are wiped out and they all start out equal again kind of sucks. I think the old system was better.

The old system. They have forced one car teams (the racing roots) out of the sport. Roppy Gordon is the last, along witht he Wood Bros. The top 35 in points is a joke. They've lost me, I used to travel all over the USA to the races. I don't even watch the races on TV anymore, just the start & finish.

the chase for one simple reason. you dont know who the champion is going to be at the midpoint of the season(no run away champion). it gives other drivers that normally wouldnt have the chance to win a huge chance if they make the top 12

I generally like the Chase, and I'll tell you why.
Matt Kenseth won the Cup in 2003 with ONLY ONE VICTORY. I like hime OK, but that's NOT a championship season.
Winners should be rewarded for their efforts.
Terry Labonte won the Cup in 1996 with 2 wins, while Jeff Gordon WON 10.
That's screwed up IMO.
The Chase has some flaws, but I think the old system needed changing. You can say all you want about running consistently, but in every other sport- second place is first loser.

I really like the chase format in general, though I would tweak a few things about it. It seems no matter what system is in place another one would always be better. People forget how boring the last races were when the season was over with 5 (or even more) races to go. Homestead used to be the most boring race of the year and now there can potentially be several different series leaders while it's taking place. Not only that, but it also makes the last few races of the "regular season" that much more important. Many more fans have hope that their driver can win the championship with this format and it creates a lot more interest and excitement at the end of the year in NASCAR. I can understand Gordon fans not liking it because of the impact it's had on Jeff's championships but it is doing exactly what it was designed to do.

I would definitely prefer it because Jeff would be going for his seventh championship the old way!

I'm a Jeff Gordon fan and I like the idea of the chase. It makes the season a lot more interesting. There is one big change I would make to it though. The regular season champion should get a 30-50 point lead over second place at the start of the chase. 10 points back to third, 10 to fourth, and 10 to fifth, then 5 back for the rest of the seven chasers. I think this would give the regular season champion a fair advantage that the driver would deserve. The 10 point increments to fifth would be a fair advantage for the other drivers who succeeded. Of course, they should still have the 10 bonus points for winning for those who were able to win. This would keep the end of the season interesting while still giving the regular season champion an advantage.

I prefer the Old points System--If it was good enough for Richard Petty & Dale Sr. to win 7 Championships apiece--It is Good enough for the Drivers Today!!!!!!!

I hate it bring back the good ole days of Nascar, all the chase does it give the idiots on TV something to try to hype everyone up with...Sorry doesn't work for me.. Lets dump the 35 owners pts as well..

Winston Cup Racing....ohhh yeahhhh...love it, miss it...would really like to see it come back....pleeeeese

I don't like the Chase either. Never did. Just prefer the old way.

The traditional way of doing points awarded consistency and was a better method of crowning a deserving champion.

NASCAR has seemingly changed everything the last few years, so maybe they'll realize The Chase is shot and go back to the old system.

what are you stuipid it helps add strategy and competetiveism

The chase stinks. Nascar thinks "entertaining" people is more importantly than properly choosing a champion. Many sports unfortunately are going this route. The sad thing is most sports want to bring in new people and they do this by introducing new and goofy rules. In other words, they tailor things to the fringe or non-fans. These new rules have turned me to devote more time to F1.

I am pro Chase. Championships should be awarded based on a combination of consistency and winning, not just the former. Running 8th every week makes you the best driver, but not the best racer.

Racing=winning. Not sandbagging.

I think they should go back to the old way. The Chase is nothing but the top 12, and that's all you hear about. I get soo sick and tired of listening to the top ones by season's end, I'm almost glad the season is over. All 43 guys out there for the same reason, to win. All 43 drivers have sponsers on their cars that want to be seen and heard. I hate the chase.

Out with the new and in with the old...

How long is kubica racing in F1?

May be...

He's been in F1 since he replaced Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber for the 2006 Hungarian GP. The race was held on August 6th, so as of today (5th March 2008) Kubica has been racing in F1 for 578 days (or one year and almost 7 months to the day, if you prefer).

He finished 7th on debut, but was later disqualified because his car was underweight.

if he does something good in 2008 by giving BMW their 1st win and also to him,makes him be stayed longer in f1.

Kubica started his professional career in 2000, as a test driver for a Formula Renault 2000 car. During his first professional season in Formula Renault, Kubica scored his maiden pole position and also became a member of the RDD. In 2002 Robert won four races and scored a second place in the Italian Formula Renault 2000. He was also seventh in the Formula Renault Euro cup. At the end of the year Robert took part in the Brazilian Formula Renault 2000 held at the Interlagos circuit. This one-off appearance resulted in a dominant win.

this is is 7th year he started being a rookie in 2000, after 1 year the drivers lose there rookie status and become pro drivers.

Does the suspension of a crew chief impact the driver's chances of winning a race?

May be...

Yes--due to communication--The fill in crew chief doesnt know exactly how to Interpret the drivers meaning of how the car is handling as well as the regular crew Chief.--The fill in wont make the same snap decisions on this on Pit Stops.--The fill in doesnt have the same experience on making calls-2 tires or 4 ect!!!!!!!

No, it not an giant impace, a driver can still win.

Thats the common belief, because you are taking away a driver's 'confidante' so to speak while racing.
Recently however drivers who have had suspended crew chiefs have gone on to win.
Probably the most famous of this type of scenario was Darian Grubb winning the 2006 Daytona 500 as a interim crew cheif after Chad Knaus was suspended. They went on to win Las Vegas that year as well. Then Matt Kenseth's crew chief was suspended but he and his interim won at California (I believe this was in 2007).
Though I believe those wins had more to do with the depths of the teams than anything.

It may have and effect on the driver because they have a fill in crew chief but winning the race is a team effort, not just that of the crew chief.

If you drive for Hendrick Motorsports it doesnt make a difference, they have tons of engineers, mechanics and the know how to win even if you are without your crew chief.(ex Jimmie Johnson numerous of time when Chad was suspended and the same for Jeff) Everyone else is just SOL.

It may have a slight impact, but its still up to the driver to get the job done to win. Johnson won without Knaus in 2006 and Kenseth won without Reiser in 2007. As long as the driver has a solid team it should not affect them as much as it would seem.

i do not believe so, jimmie johnson, & matt kenseth both have won during their crew chiefs suspension. the pit crew, the spotter and the driver are still working together, it's just a bit different talking to another guy on the radio...the team is still as well as ever, i believe.

If the team is organized there should be little disruption.The crew hief calls the shots but if the team has a good 2nd man then this should not cause any breackdown in communications or chances in winning.

some say it can, but as shown last season not necessarily, communication is the key and they cannot stop that...the teams know what has to be done and they can function without the regular crew chief as proven before

For the correct answer read Smokey and Tall Man's posts above. I'd be stealing from them trying to state it better!

If so, how?

Does the suspension of a crew chief impact the driver's chances of winning a race?

May be...

No, it not an giant impace, a driver can still win.

It may have and effect on the driver because they have a fill in crew chief but winning the race is a team effort, not just that of the crew chief.

If so, how?

For the correct answer read Smokey and Tall Man's posts above. I'd be stealing from them trying to state it better!

Does the suspension of a crew chief impact the driver's chances of winning a race?

May be...

For the correct answer read Smokey and Tall Man's posts above. I'd be stealing from them trying to state it better!

It may have and effect on the driver because they have a fill in crew chief but winning the race is a team effort, not just that of the crew chief.

If so, how?

No, it not an giant impace, a driver can still win.

Does anyone like or not like the name they gave the gopher cam gopher "Digger"?

May be...

So, now we can add "Digger" to the endless list of unfunny jokes that will be repeated on a continuous basis during FOX coverage.

Yay!

Geez. Who cares what they name the thing?! It's a cool camera. But call it anything. I just dont care. You get a chance to ask a driver a question. You could ask an interesting question or you could ask what do we name the damn camera out there in turn 1?!

It's a cool camera, and "Digger" is a cute name but I don't think anyone really cares what you call it, That little rodent gets in the way when your trying to watch the race he always pops up in the bottom left hand corner, I hate that. Another thing I dont like is that damn duck that walks across the screen, saying "Aflec, Aflec, quack quack" If you ask me they can skip the graphics and let us see all 300 laps!

personally i dont care for the name or the camera i really dont care what the bottom of the car looks like, show us the cars racing for positions

No I dont personally Like the Name--Digger--They should have just left it as Gopher Cam--That was good enough!!!!!

I'm glad they named him so we can move on, one of the drivers in fontana, said it should have been roadkill, yes we all got bored during the rain delay... It could be worse they could have named him boogity boogity..

It's ok, i also thought it would be named more of a racing name also.

I don't like digger. I liked Skid better. Digger doesn't seem original.

I hate the name digger. But yeah I'm glad they named it so we don't have to listen to them asking us each week about it.

I guess "digger" is as good as any. What I want to know is, why do they have to name a camera?

Go Jr.>>>>

Personally, I was taken by surprise, I thought they would give it a name more connected to racing. My kid thought he should be called "Skid". Anyone care to share what you thought he should be called?

It`s OK I`m just glad they finally named it so we can get back to racing.

why should it be named at all? i think it was just something to talk about and during fontana they real needed stuff to talk about in the rain...hopefully the name will get burned out like the draft cam, i hate that thing.

Should have name him "Carl"..from Caddyshack..

I didn't come up with any names but I have to say... Digger is already quite annoying.

You know that would be the only name that they would come up with.

yeah,what he said .but i like digger.

It sucks, but life goes on!!!!!

4.3.08