We are two down and thirty-four to go. The horrible accident in the Nationwide race at Daytona notwithstanding, it has been a good start... in some ways. Last week, this column took issue with so many fans claiming the Daytona 500 was "boring." It was not; end of discussion. At the time though, I did warn that no matter what heavy stock car one might take to a flat mile-track, there would be little passing and much parading. I can only assume that you were not disappointed when that is exactly what we got from Phoenix. That is track configuration, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the racing ability of the new Gen-6 cars. (One-mile flat tracks are designed for IndyCars, not stockers. The same can be said for 2.5-mile flat tracks... no exceptions.)
What probably had a lot more to do with them was the number of blown tires we saw in such a short race. At this writing, I've only seen one columnist come out and blame Goodyear, saying they failed to bring a proper tire. I prefer not to settle for assuming, as I've learned that definition through experience. Instead, I consulted with several well-versed mechanics and car guys... one of the distinct benefits of being a part of RacersReunion... and was given to understand that the tire problem was in no way the fault of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, but almost entirely due to melting of the bead on the tires. That is a problem generally seen at Martinsville more than at Phoenix, as it is almost always the brakes heating the tires to an intolerable temperature, causing the bead to melt and the tire to separate and blow.
The Gen-6 cars are allowed much more liberal camber settings than were the COTs, but in increasing the camber, it can also increase brake drag, which in turn causes heating, sometimes to excess. It will take a few races to get that part right, though it shouldn't be a problem this week on the wide 1.5-mile Las Vegas track. I can recall a time when many teams were leaning so hard on the camber issue that they were actually breaking axles. NASCAR is not allowing that much, I'm quite sure. Our crew chiefs number among the best in the world, and they will find a happy balance quickly. Notice, no one in the Cup garage has mentioned Goodyear being at fault, and I doubt they will any time soon.
After viewing Danica Patrick's trip head on into the SAFER barrier, I offer thanks once again to Dr. Dean Sicking and everyone associated with bringing that safety feature to our race tracks. (Yes, that includes my Twitter Tweep that bears the name of that particular inanimate object. He plays the part well and takes safety seriously.)
They say the proof is in the pudding, but in the world of television, the proof is more in the ratings, and someone or everyone at both FOX and NASCAR has to be doing a happy dance so far, as the ratings for both races, and of course, ratings overall, have been up... something that has not happened in some time. I sincerely hope that will be true this coming weekend as the cars roll into Las Vegas, where everything is a show.
**Note to Bruton Smith: Here is your chance to shine Sir. This is the first race of 2013 at an SMI track. Please, please, please... have someone sing our National Anthem that knows both the words and the tune... and can deliver both without taking an ego trip as a detour somewhere along the way.
No, I did not miss the big flap at Phoenix, caused by a driver that has managed to glean three top-ten finishes in his 104 Nationwide starts since 2003. We can discuss that, if that is your choice of topics, but you'll hear none of the fire and brimstone you read elsewhere. I don't know Marty Beckerman, [MTV blogger] nor do I look forward to an introduction. I do not watch MTV, and I most certainly do not read or subscribe to something called "Guy Code." I suspect the lack of interest is mutual and they do not read my racing columns.
Neither am I acquainted in any way with a young driver named Jeremy Clements. Still, over the past several days, this single "issue" of, "what did he say and about whom did he say it" has grown like a mushroom cloud, to deadly proportions. It has caused me personal disagreements with folks that matter to me, and in the end, it has caused tears... of disappointment, I guess, that something so inconsequential could be taken so seriously.
First, I really don't understand why anyone from MTV would be caught dead "slumming" at a NASCAR race... unless he were there following Fitty Cent, a talent far more within his realm than a driver named Jeremy Clements. Supposedly, he was there seeking an interview with Johanna Long, though I've heard nothing as to whether he ever found her, much less interviewed her... and why would "she" be interested in being featured in "Guy Code" anyway?
Instead, he just happens to ask a passing driver for directions to Ms. Long's coach, engages him in conversation, hears or entices him into using a forbidden word, and all this for the benefit of someone described as a "NASCAR Publicist." What the heck is that? I write for a site that talks about NASCAR. As editor, I publish everything you read on this page. Am I then, a NASCAR Publicist? I guess I must be. Nope, it wasn't me. "By the time I get to Phoenix" it'll be the 23rd Century.
Mr. Helton, Sir, I have a pretty fair concept of what was said, and I understand the wish for sensitivity training, though I think we both know that really does nothing to change bad attitudes, only to conceal them better in the future. I would, however, add my voice to the growing chorus of folks not understanding why such harsh punishment for a young and fairly inconsequential driver on the same day when Fitty Cent is your featured "entertainment." The man, in both language and demeanor, falls somewhere between revolting and disgusting, and I don't believe that is the image any or us seek for our sport. We deserve better Sir.
Gentle readers, I'm not saying this is the case, but MTV would not be the first network to have tried to trick folks into acting less than honorably at a NASCAR race. Several years ago, I did an exposé of another network that tried to bait a trap and "create" a story. In that instance, the intended "victims" were the NASCAR fans and we were to be shown as being insensitive and intolerant of certain "foreigners." It not only did not work, but the fans tossed it back in their face with well-deserved laughter. Maybe one day I'll tell you about that one, but as I said, we can discuss this instance if you insist. You will find that I don't see NASCAR as being as far off as some of the more bombastic writers and fans do.
You certainly don't need me to tell you that Cousin Carl Edwards won the race in Phoenix. Bless his heart, all he needed to do was avoid the wrecks for an entire race and he finished first. Jimmie Johnson failed in his bid to make it two in a row (Praise the Lord) but staged a neat photo finish with Denny (Where'd HE come from) Hamlin for first loser. Brad K was shuffled back to fourth in that final heartbeat. Yep, the ending was great, but Kenny Schrader, we really didn't need you to hit the wall that late in the race. It was gonna be a great finish anyway.
I have it on good authority... the word of a fan that was there... that there really was passing in the race. Why, oh why, FOX Network, can your cameras not show that? Folks tune out because they find the races boring. Show the passing! A fight for 20th really is, to a race fan, just as exciting as a race for the lead. The guys back there have fans too! I know it sounds crazy, but that's the way we are. Show it and we will watch it!
Prayers continue for those injured at Daytona, both fans and drivers. Two final questions, and I'll turn this one over to all of you for discussion and questions.
1. Has anyone seen Brian France since last we spoke? No, seriously...
2. We have a member seeking any and all information regarding Toccoa Speedway, in my old home town, Toccoa GA. Does anyone reading this know the year the track first opened? Does anyone perchance have race records from older days. We know we're talking back in the 1950s, but only very sketchy word of mouth seems available. If you can be of help, my email is always posted here with my articles. Bless you for your kindness.
If you've enjoyed your visit so far, we invite you to check out the Stock Car RacersReunion site by clicking here. By simply creating a log-in you will have access to over 100,000 vintage racing photos and thousands of articles, stories and conversations, some with legendary participants whose names you will recognize. As part of our racing family, you are free to enjoy the Chat Room and all Forums will be open for discussing your passion for racing with others of like mind. RacersReunion truly is where legends and fans unite.
