Daytona 500 Discussion...

Figured since one wasnt started up we should get one going...

Just from what we saw in the shootout, I think you have to look at the RCR stable to be major players in the 500.

Hendrick cars didn't show me much but then again they really never got a chance to hook up.

Speaking of hooking up guys, I'm not so sure I like this new 2x2 racing that we are seeing. I'll have to see some more of it but from what Ive seen thus far I don't think I like it.

Who gonna win the pole?

June Bug  or Gordon

RCR are always great in plate races.

Damn....Hows that.

88 and 24 front row baby!!

Ol Stevie already making a difference.

I think the racing last night sucked, it is a complete crapshoot on picking a winner this year , unless they make some changes to the cars before the Duels....Newman and Kurt were never upfront until the end of the night, the seemingly best car (Burton) never had a chance at the end.....I for 1, hated it ....that not racing IMO.

100% agree here! These plate races have always been a crapshot but there is noway and I mean noway you can honestly  handicap these races! For me the first race starts at Phoenix.

 Nascar can talk about how there were more lead changes last night than in any previous "Shootout", but it definitely didn't translate into a more competitive race. During the last lap none of the 6 lead pack cars could do anything to improve their position (without going below the yellow line) and it seems as if the winner of the 500 will not be the best car but the one that can manage to have the car with the most power pushing it from behind.

  Any format like this 2x2 that requires that the stronger car be the one in the rear in order to get to the front is not good for the sport IMO.

 

very well said, completely agree with you. I think we see a change before the duels though, they have to.....206 is way too fast, not what Nascar wants to see speed wise for sure. I was laughing how DW was trying to make it sound like it was exciting last night

 

Phoenix is the 1st real race of the year for sure....think we are in for 1 boring ass 500 if they don't do something....I could see about 2/3 's of the field either being laps down or wrecked out of the race by the end if they keep it the same.

Well, guys, you got your wish. They are implementing a new rule that should break up the extended runs of the 2-car breakaways.

From Jayski:
"" The pressure release valve on the water system will be set at 33 pounds per square inch.
The intent is to set up the cars so they can't push each other in two-car tandems for extended runs without overheating. Teams try to line up drafting partners at Daytona and Talladega so they can overcome the limitations of the restrictor plates used to keep speeds down at those two tracks. "That will bring down the temperatures so the teams can't run at 290 or 300 degrees [without overheating] on the extended push of 30 or 40 laps,"

 

        this needed to be done   

If nothing else came from the Bud Shootout, at least we can say that it provoked this quick rule change. It remains to be seen how much this will change things, but I think it'd be pretty cool if they could still launch in 2 car breakaways for ~2 laps, and then lose all that time after having to break up.

Lineups for thursdays Duels...

Duel 1

https://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2011/101/data/lineup.html

Duel 2

https://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2011/102/data/lineup.html

Good choice by Nascar.  Man, am I pissed though.  We all talked about the 500 and the winner and I said watch out for Kurt.  He is the most under-appreciated plate racer and the one who is best yet to win.  Then he goes and wins this thing and takes all value out.  what an arse.  Anyway, I am pumped up for some racing boys.  I think this is going to be a great season.  Watch out for Kyle this weekend.  Those JGR cars are bad fast in the draft.

500 is uncappable this year, period. Pick 3 names outta hat and GL.