Since 1909 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has welcomed racers from around the world and all across the country.
And since that time they've crowned winners in many different forms. From F1, MotoGP, IndyCar and then to the surprise of many, NASCAR. Beginning in 1994 it was stock cars roaring around the famed Brickyard with Jeff Gordon taking home the first checkered flag.
Since then the Brickyard 400 has become one of NASCAR's most prestigious races, and according to IMS the second-highest paying race behind the Daytona 500.
Just two years after NASCAR got there a great Indianapolis tradition was born. In the name of tradition and winning big races, the Daytona International Speedway places the winners car in the Daytona 500 USA museum for a year. The driver is the introduced as the Daytona 500 winner for the remainder of the year and their name goes into the record books not just as winner, but a Daytona 500 champion.
Now when a driver wins at Indy they end up with much the same accolades. Part of their tradition is taking a ride around the speedway in the pace car and going to the "Yard of Bricks."
That's where they'll have one of the most memorable kisses of their life. It was Dale Jarrett and crew chief Todd Parrott who started the tradition in '96 when they innocently went to kiss the bricks after their win. They were soon joined by the entire team who also kissed the bricks and the rest as they say is history.
NASCAR winners and IndyCar winners all get their chance to kiss the bricks and go down in history as a winner at Indianapolis. Win there and you'll be remembered forever, regardless of whatever else you've done.
Beginning next weekend Indianapolis will now host the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the big track. For many years the NNS and CWTS raced away from Indianapolis at the small oval in Clermont, Indiana. The Lucas Oil Raceway - formerly Indianapolis Raceway Park and O'Reilly Raceway Park - will not be hosting NNS or CWTS races beginning in 2012, although many agreed the shorttrack put on some great racing throughout its history.
Now the Brickyard will go from hosting just Sprint Cup drivers and race to the NNS the day before. While Daytona does the same, with only the Cup race being known as a "big" race, this will be the first time in recent memory that a famed track and big race has gone from hosting just Cup cars to sharing it with the NNS.
Cars hit the track starting on Thursday, July 26th when the NNS hits the track for the very first time in practice. When they do it will bring many questions, which will only be answered throughout the weekend.
But ...
What if w/Nationwide now at Indy & if they start kissing the bricks, will it change your view of the prestige of the Cup race there?
@Talon64 yes, but only because the Cup guys would get Nationwide's sloppy seconds on the brick kiss.
@mrheadrick No. Has the prestige of Daytona been tarnished by multiple series running there? The whole #Indycar split several years ago killed the prestige of Indy in my eyes.
@dustin_n_va No not at all any win at indy is prestigious
@JoJo_6040 Yep, but I'm sure the winner will since it's a tradition for cup. Now you have me curious haha. Wish they kept nns at orp.
Showing posts with label Daytona International Speedway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daytona International Speedway. Show all posts
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Tuesday, July 10th 'What If' Question
Before the green flag in Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona there had already been plenty of headlines made.
There was Austin Dillon defending his Kentucky win after a failed inspection, Brian France delivering his state of the sport address and saying there would be no mandatory cautions as Bruton Smith suggested. There was Danica Patrick in a way calling her shot to win before Dillon won the pole and again failed inspection.
Matt Kenseth, going for the Daytona sweep, started it off right by winning the Cup pole. While eventual winner Tony Stewart failed post qualifying because of the same reason Dillon did. Kurt Busch went out and won a wild Nationwide Series race for James Finch and Joey Logano became the latest driver to fail inspection.
On Saturday, in what is normally a lazy day before the Cup race that evening, was anything but. Kevin Harvick flew wife DeLana back home to NC in order to rest before the birth of their first child. Son Keelan would be born the next morning. Austin Dillon thought he might get behind the wheel of the No. 29 until NASCAR nixed that idea, so Kenny Wallace was put on standby.
Bobby Bowden came into the media centered and entertained everyone, while Train rocked out on the frontstretch for the fans. Then came the biggest news of the entire weekend, seemingly out of nowhere.
At 6:00 p.m. ET NASCAR's senior vice president of racing, Steve O'Donnell, walked into the media center to announce that Penske Racing driver AJ Allmendinger had been suspended because of a failed drug test. He had been chosen as the random driver a week before in Kentucky and his "A" sample came back positive.
Sam Hornish Jr. flew back to Daytona from Charlotte, NC to pilot the No. 22 in the race. And since then the talk has been all about Allmendinger. Even though there was Stewart winning his fourth Daytona race in the last eight attempt, as well as the numerous penalties handed down on Tuesday after the infractions found in inspection.
Dillon will now be without his crew chief and car chief for two weeks and lost another six points in the owner and driver standings, Adam Stevens and the car chief of the No. 18 in the NNS was fine and put on probation as well as lost six owner points. And Stewart lost six driver/owner points while his crew chief and car chief were both placed on probation.
Yet, it all went in one ear and out the other. It's all about Allmendinger right now. Speculation has run wild from what caused the failed test, to whether he intentionally took something, and of course, whether he'll ever be back behind the wheel.
As of Wednesday, Allmendinger was waiting on the results of his "B" sample while he camp released a statement that he had tested positive for a stimulant. What the stimulant was is still a guess, but Allmendinger was said to be going through all his medications and supplements to determine what could have caused the failed test.
With Allmendinger working with NASCAR to determine what has gone on while waiting on the results of his "B" sample, Hornish will again drive the No. 22 this weekend at New Hampshire. Everyone else is left offering their own opinions and theories.
But ...
What if there were no AJ Allmendinger suspension, what would be the big story and have us all talking after Daytona?
@mattwoodruff29 The Harvick's having there first child and the penalties from Daytona.
@HarpAmyStabler 2 complete green flag pit cycles and the outside line not being able to go. No pack drafting excitement 4 passing ... My dad, son, and I were all at the NNS and cup race. NNS race was exciting and fun all the way through .... The cup race was boring and we struggled to stay awake there until lap 120. Shouldn't be that way ... Dad and I have been going to Daytona since 2004 and loved it. We'll go again, but the racing has gotten progressively worse with the exception of the tandem racing. I remember the 1st to 30th & back to 1st in a few laps back in 2004-2008. That was fun for the pack drafting. Bring back tandems if it's not going 2 improve ... I thought that it was sad how sparse the midway & souvie trailer area was. Econ=bad. :(
@NancyatStudioN The big story would be the Army leaving SHR. It could open a whole can of worms. Will the National Guard leave Jr? And why are they paying so much more than Army paid SHR? If Ryan can't get a sponsor to stay there, where will he go? He can't go back to Penske and can't go to Roush without a sponsor. In fact, can he go anywhere if he can't bring a sponsor? And, will Kurt get a sponsor and take it to SHR? After all, Tony said he'd hire him in a heartbeat.
@DonRohr reason the midway is sparse is because of the heat, the cost, and the ROI in July. overflowing in February ... I thought the race itself was just fine. decent beginning, filling in the middle and balls out at the end
@JoJo_6040 The pack v tandem or Sprint v Nationwide races. I kinda like the combo of pack and tandem. :)
There was Austin Dillon defending his Kentucky win after a failed inspection, Brian France delivering his state of the sport address and saying there would be no mandatory cautions as Bruton Smith suggested. There was Danica Patrick in a way calling her shot to win before Dillon won the pole and again failed inspection.
Matt Kenseth, going for the Daytona sweep, started it off right by winning the Cup pole. While eventual winner Tony Stewart failed post qualifying because of the same reason Dillon did. Kurt Busch went out and won a wild Nationwide Series race for James Finch and Joey Logano became the latest driver to fail inspection.
On Saturday, in what is normally a lazy day before the Cup race that evening, was anything but. Kevin Harvick flew wife DeLana back home to NC in order to rest before the birth of their first child. Son Keelan would be born the next morning. Austin Dillon thought he might get behind the wheel of the No. 29 until NASCAR nixed that idea, so Kenny Wallace was put on standby.
Bobby Bowden came into the media centered and entertained everyone, while Train rocked out on the frontstretch for the fans. Then came the biggest news of the entire weekend, seemingly out of nowhere.
At 6:00 p.m. ET NASCAR's senior vice president of racing, Steve O'Donnell, walked into the media center to announce that Penske Racing driver AJ Allmendinger had been suspended because of a failed drug test. He had been chosen as the random driver a week before in Kentucky and his "A" sample came back positive.
Sam Hornish Jr. flew back to Daytona from Charlotte, NC to pilot the No. 22 in the race. And since then the talk has been all about Allmendinger. Even though there was Stewart winning his fourth Daytona race in the last eight attempt, as well as the numerous penalties handed down on Tuesday after the infractions found in inspection.
Dillon will now be without his crew chief and car chief for two weeks and lost another six points in the owner and driver standings, Adam Stevens and the car chief of the No. 18 in the NNS was fine and put on probation as well as lost six owner points. And Stewart lost six driver/owner points while his crew chief and car chief were both placed on probation.
Yet, it all went in one ear and out the other. It's all about Allmendinger right now. Speculation has run wild from what caused the failed test, to whether he intentionally took something, and of course, whether he'll ever be back behind the wheel.
As of Wednesday, Allmendinger was waiting on the results of his "B" sample while he camp released a statement that he had tested positive for a stimulant. What the stimulant was is still a guess, but Allmendinger was said to be going through all his medications and supplements to determine what could have caused the failed test.
With Allmendinger working with NASCAR to determine what has gone on while waiting on the results of his "B" sample, Hornish will again drive the No. 22 this weekend at New Hampshire. Everyone else is left offering their own opinions and theories.
But ...
What if there were no AJ Allmendinger suspension, what would be the big story and have us all talking after Daytona?
@mattwoodruff29 The Harvick's having there first child and the penalties from Daytona.
@HarpAmyStabler 2 complete green flag pit cycles and the outside line not being able to go. No pack drafting excitement 4 passing ... My dad, son, and I were all at the NNS and cup race. NNS race was exciting and fun all the way through .... The cup race was boring and we struggled to stay awake there until lap 120. Shouldn't be that way ... Dad and I have been going to Daytona since 2004 and loved it. We'll go again, but the racing has gotten progressively worse with the exception of the tandem racing. I remember the 1st to 30th & back to 1st in a few laps back in 2004-2008. That was fun for the pack drafting. Bring back tandems if it's not going 2 improve ... I thought that it was sad how sparse the midway & souvie trailer area was. Econ=bad. :(
@NancyatStudioN The big story would be the Army leaving SHR. It could open a whole can of worms. Will the National Guard leave Jr? And why are they paying so much more than Army paid SHR? If Ryan can't get a sponsor to stay there, where will he go? He can't go back to Penske and can't go to Roush without a sponsor. In fact, can he go anywhere if he can't bring a sponsor? And, will Kurt get a sponsor and take it to SHR? After all, Tony said he'd hire him in a heartbeat.
@DonRohr reason the midway is sparse is because of the heat, the cost, and the ROI in July. overflowing in February ... I thought the race itself was just fine. decent beginning, filling in the middle and balls out at the end
@JoJo_6040 The pack v tandem or Sprint v Nationwide races. I kinda like the combo of pack and tandem. :)
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Thursday, March 15th 'What If' Question
For all those "Did you see that?" moments look no further than the Daytona 500.
In its 54 year running there's been a little bit of everything: there was 'the fight', rain shortened events, rained out events, potholes, animals demolished by machines, tragedy, triumph, and now not only a Monday night race but a jet dryer explosion. Of course we all should have known we were in for some excitement when this year's race, for the first time in history, had to be postponed until Monday.
Then more rain pushed the race to Monday night, primetime and the excitement was notched up another level. The action started right away with a major crash that collected Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Danica Patrick and others on lap two. From there the Roush Fenway Racing drivers of Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle dominated the field.
And then as the race started to wind down it happened. Fire!
One of the jet dryers used to clean the race track during cautions began burning in turn three. A massive fire broke out as the gasoline from the jet dryer burned down the track. Upon further review it was found that something on Juan Pablo Montoya's No. 42 Target machine broke as he was trying to get up to speed and catch the field.
The car snapped away from him and spun into the jet dryer and chaos ensued from there. The race was red flagged for two hours as the track was cleaned and repaired. During that time Brad Keselowski tweeted from his car, drivers hung out on the backstretch and some raced each other to the porta potty.
When the race finally restarted it was Kenseth scoring his second 500 win over Dale Earnhardt Jr. Once the post race interviews and press conferences were over it was nearly 2:00 Tuesday morning. As the rest of the world woke up that Tuesday the Daytona 500 was national news, first because it was a primetime event and because of the amazing video of the jet dryer fire.
Keselowski tweeting from inside his race car didn't hurt either. NASCAR was already off to a roaring start in 2012 and the Daytona 500 got to add another historic page to its history book.
But ...
What if the jet dryer explosion hadn't happened, what would have been the most memorable moment of the 2012 Daytona 500 & would the race still have made national news?
@WickedJ8 No, it wouldnt have made news. But the story wouldve been not fully sponsored 17 winning the biggest race of the year..again
@Tradertoms Fact is that we will never forget that incident but considering it WAS a Night race, it was sure to make National News
@rcracer20 prime time and @DanicaPatrick ,had to think about who won
@StrokerAce90 Most memorable moment woulda been Danica's first Cup start. She made the Daytona 500 bigger National news by just being in it
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1st 'What If' Question
It's hard for NASCAR's most popular driver to go under the radar, no matter how hard Dale Earnhardt Jr. tries.
Heading into 2011 it will be even harder now that team owner Rick Hendrick has again made changes to his No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Chevrolet team. In a widely discussed and publicized move, Hendrick took Earnhardt Jr. and had him pick up his driver's seat and head over to the shop that used to be the 24/48 shop. Earnhardt Jr. inherited everything that used to be Jeff Gordon's.
With that move came the move for Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin. Gordon now has everything that was once the 5 team and Martin has everything that was once the 88 team. Hendrick denied all claims that the move was made solely for the purpose of Earnhardt Jr., instead saying that he wasn't pleased with any of his team's performance in a year where Jimmie Johnson was the only HMS car to win a race.
When the combination of Steve Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. hit Daytona it was instant chemistry. By luck they sat on the pole for the Budweiser Shootout, but ended up wrecked in the garage. The next day, by speed, they won the pole for the Daytona 500, but again ended up wrecked in the garage after a practice session.
Never one to panic, Letarte told Junior not to worry they had another car. The two got to work and went out and ran strong all during the 53rd running of the great American race. Only, to once again, end up wrecked. While many will say that's nothing to be proud of, others will say looking at their performance as a whole they did everything right.
At Phoenix it was more of the same. All of the HMS teams struggled in practice and qualifying but were able to fight their way to front come race time. Earnhardt Jr. in a surprising turn of events never really lost too many spots on the racetrack and instead was fighting all day long to crack the top 10.
When the checkered flag flew he had done so and came home with a 10th place finish. Again, some will say it's nothing to be excited about but for a team that has a long season ahead of them it was a step in the right direction.
But ...
What if Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not have a flat tire at Daytona and a loose wheel in Phoenix, does he still end up with same results? #NASCAR
@mbauerherzog: No, he would have been at least a contender in both races. He may not have have gotten the win but would have been up there.
@Talon64: Top 10 at Daytona but not at Phoenix; forced Phoenix pit strategy gave him fresher tires at the end. He'd be top 10 in points
@cruetten: absolutely not--Jr's final results would've been much better! I still think before his wreck, Jr had a legitimate shot to win the daytona 500. This year Jr has the crew chief, the cars, and the confidence to win races and possibly make the Chase. He just needs a little luck...
@Jim_Yoak: What if? At Daytona YES. At Phoenix, NO. He wasn't a top 10 car until everyone else had bad luck. he was top 10 by default.
@The_Bumpdrafter: doubtful. Prob top sox or seven at Daytona. About the same at phoenix. Maybe ninth.
Stephanie Davis (via Facebook) I say no...atleast in Daytona
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 24th 'What If' Question
There are many things that come to mind when hearing the names Jennifer Jo Cobb and Danica Patrick. Most recently though what comes to mind are the accomplished the two pulled off at the Daytona International Speedway last weekend, both personally and professionally.
Personally, the two captured their career best finishes in their respective races. Cobb raced her way to a sixth place finish on Friday night in the NextEra Energy Resources 250, her previously best was a 14th at both Texas and Darlington last season. Cobb survived a race where she had to start at the rear of the field because of an engine change after having qualified in the top 10.
With six cautions for 24 laps, including the 'Big One' with four laps left, Cobb missed it all and brought her No. 10 home in one piece. Some called it survival but after a disappointing race in Talladega last fall, she ran in the top 10 all day until running out of fuel, it was more like redemption. Mark her down as a favorite on restrictor plate tracks.
Professionally, Cobb marked her name down as the driver who gave women the highest finishing position in NASCAR history.
Patrick on the other had also played her part. After nearly grabbing the pole for Saturday's Drive4COPD 300, she ended up fourth, Patrick went on to lead a lap, the first women to do so at Daytona, and finished 14th. Her previously best career finish was a 19th last season in the finale at Homestead.
Patrick's race was a little more challenging than Cobb's. Because of the new two-car tango, Patrick was having a hard time finding drafting partners until Clint Bowyer pushed her to the front. But then Bowyer became upset when Patrick didn't know how to the 'swap' and couldn't push him.
Bowyer would go on to finish second and said he didn't hold it against Patrick, but was upset with her spotter.
For fans, they relished in the fact that there was girl power this past weekend. Everyone has their own favorite and whom they believe deserves a shot over the other. Because Cobb races full-time in the CWTS and Patrick races a part time NNS schedule, it's rare that the two get to go head-to-head.
Even if they do it would never be a fair fight, Cobb does not have connections to a top NNS team while Patrick races for the well established JR Motorsports.
But ...
What if @DanicaPatrick & @JenJoCobb went head-to-heard in a Nationwide race in the same equipment, who would you put money on? #NASCAR
@JeffSmelser: Jen Jo Cobb!
@JTH88_7: Danica
@jlaracefan14: wow really I think I would put money on @JenJoCobb at least she can actually drive!
@Talon64: Danica Patrick, she's the more talented of the two IMO.
@NASCARJeannie: @Jenjocobb for sure
@ronsracing88: I would put my money on @JenJoCobb
@chuckallen2: I say Jennifer. That's right this minute. Probably different in a year.
@annaxcamille: I'd say Jen right now.. but thats because she's been around stock cars her whole life. With a few more years, Danica for sure. But if it comes down to it. Danica still has that upper-hand on speed. All in all it wouldnt be a fair battle though.
@danicaracing: Danica
@tamgil: Danica... it would be fun to watch! How would you answer that question?
@Laly114: Danica :) !!!
@StrokerAce90 Ok, on a decision I hate to make & after much consideration... I've decided that I'd put my money on Danica. Reason being: from my observation she has shown more aggressiveness on the track than Jen. I've seen Danica go back on the track & bump a car back that spun her. Where as I've seen Jen take crap from Kyle Busch & let him get away with it. Danica would pounce on Jens weakness by slamming, rubbing, nudging & bumping Jen to assert her way into Victory lane. Danica would smile proudly in Victory Lane & say: "Welcome to NASCAR! Where Rubbing is racin!
@StrokerAce90 and yes, I know... I'll go to hell for this answer. *guilt*
Stephanie Davis (via Facebook) Jennifer Jo Cobb
Matt Wenzel (via Facebook) Jennifer Jo Cobb
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27th 'What If' Question
It's hard to remember the time that no one could touch Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona International Speedway.
Little E had picked up where his dad left off, by winning something whenever NASCAR was in town. In the Sprint Cup Series: the Pepsi 400 (2001), Budweiser Shootouts (2003, 2008), Gatorade Duel races (2003, 2004, 2008), and the Daytona 500 (2004). In the Nationwide Series (2002, 2003, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010).
But lately it's been a struggling in anything that Earnhardt Jr. has sat in, not winning a point paying race in the Sprint Cup Series since June of 2008 and being shut out of victory lane in Daytona since the Nationwide July race in 2006. He did win the July race this past season.
Before that however, Earnhardt Jr. was back in the season-opening race for the Nationwide Series looking for another win. In order to do so he would have to beat the Kevin Harvick Inc. car of Tony Stewart, who has won the last two February events. Earnhardt Jr. was a contender, as always, back in February, driving his own No. 88 Hellmann's Chevrolet.
Running third on lap 92 of 120, Earnhardt Jr. was suddenly flipping down the backstretch instead of charging into turn three. Carl Edwards had turned right, clipping Brad Keselowski who clipped the rear end of Earnhardt Jr.'s machine and sent him for a wild ride. Stewart went on to win his third straight race.
For Earnhardt Jr. it was an expensive day. With the No. 88 mangled, as well as the No. 7 of Danica Patrick who also crashed, JR Motorsports he said would have to go back and balance their check books. The bright spot though, was that his crash was spectacular, he didn't want to go flipping and not have it be worth it he said.
But ...
What If @DaleJr didn't flip in February NNS race @ Daytona, could he have ended Tony Stewart's win streak (Stewart won 3rd straight)
@ARosser14 No. And that isn't bias. KHI's cars were far better. A guy collected in that crash, Kevin Harvick, would have if anyone did.
@smokinace88 I believe June could have won it he had a strong powerful car all day
@cruetten if Harvick hadn't wrecked too, it would've been Jr, Stewart, and Harvick at the end with Jr winning the race--not Stewart.
@RoushGirl17 Yes...I think he had the car, and the confidence to have won that race. He was running right up front and doing a great job when he flipped. Just look at what he did in the 500...right up the middle and almost caught McMurray.
Little E had picked up where his dad left off, by winning something whenever NASCAR was in town. In the Sprint Cup Series: the Pepsi 400 (2001), Budweiser Shootouts (2003, 2008), Gatorade Duel races (2003, 2004, 2008), and the Daytona 500 (2004). In the Nationwide Series (2002, 2003, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010).
But lately it's been a struggling in anything that Earnhardt Jr. has sat in, not winning a point paying race in the Sprint Cup Series since June of 2008 and being shut out of victory lane in Daytona since the Nationwide July race in 2006. He did win the July race this past season.
Before that however, Earnhardt Jr. was back in the season-opening race for the Nationwide Series looking for another win. In order to do so he would have to beat the Kevin Harvick Inc. car of Tony Stewart, who has won the last two February events. Earnhardt Jr. was a contender, as always, back in February, driving his own No. 88 Hellmann's Chevrolet.
Running third on lap 92 of 120, Earnhardt Jr. was suddenly flipping down the backstretch instead of charging into turn three. Carl Edwards had turned right, clipping Brad Keselowski who clipped the rear end of Earnhardt Jr.'s machine and sent him for a wild ride. Stewart went on to win his third straight race.
For Earnhardt Jr. it was an expensive day. With the No. 88 mangled, as well as the No. 7 of Danica Patrick who also crashed, JR Motorsports he said would have to go back and balance their check books. The bright spot though, was that his crash was spectacular, he didn't want to go flipping and not have it be worth it he said.
But ...
What If @DaleJr didn't flip in February NNS race @ Daytona, could he have ended Tony Stewart's win streak (Stewart won 3rd straight)
@ARosser14 No. And that isn't bias. KHI's cars were far better. A guy collected in that crash, Kevin Harvick, would have if anyone did.
@smokinace88 I believe June could have won it he had a strong powerful car all day
@cruetten if Harvick hadn't wrecked too, it would've been Jr, Stewart, and Harvick at the end with Jr winning the race--not Stewart.
@RoushGirl17 Yes...I think he had the car, and the confidence to have won that race. He was running right up front and doing a great job when he flipped. Just look at what he did in the 500...right up the middle and almost caught McMurray.
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