2016 NASCAR thread

Tony Stewart: Embodying the American way.

 

Drinking coke and eating burger King?

 

That, and over-reacting when he finds himself on the receiving end of a modicum of his own medicine. #StandYourGround #NeverForget

 

lol I'd dump him with no fear. Show him he has no balls

 

I didn't like young Tony 2000-2004 because he made bone-headed moves, didn't own up to them, retaliated on track. He matured significantly during his last season with Gibbs, and more so when he moved over to Stewart-Hass. He was a grizzled hard-ass, and I appreciated that more at the time, as it flew in the face of the trend of putting fresh-faced pretty boys behind the wheel (see: Kahne, MacMurray, etc.) It's been clear for more than two seasons that Tony's heart isn't in Cup racing anymore. He has plenty of other stuff going on that makes him more happy. I don't think he ever wanted to return to Cup after shattering his leg, but he has sponsorship and team-owner obligations to fulfill. A lot of people's livelihoods rest on his performance and business decisions. I think he's handled his emotions quite well in the wake of the New York tragedy (which, despite his previous and current actions, I truly believe was mostly a racing incident). I think Tony knows this too and a part of him died that night as well. I just wish he'd keep his nose clean and go out a winner.

 

To add to this, the maturing Tony of 2008-2012 was exactly what the NASCAR garage needed after Dale Earnhardt's departure. There was no driver advocate who dared stand up to NASCAR brass after Dale died. Tony finally assumed that role, but he didn't keep it long. I think Matt Kenseth is close to assuming that role, but he whines too much. I hope (and this is a LONG shot) Kyle Busch can be that person some day. He has a LOT of growing to do, but it's not impossible. Additionally, while they have a lot of growing and experience to gain ahead of them, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney are exhibiting those good traits. They take care of equipment, calculate when to make the brash moves, and don't lose their sh*t on track.

 

I think nascar is in big trouble if Jr goes ahead and retires. That would be Jeff, Tony and Dale Jr all in two years.

 

We still got KB all would be good

 

I predict 2017 to be a stagnant season as long as teams keep established drivers due to daddy's money or family/business connections. A lot of guys need to move over, and sponsors need to take a gamble on younger drivers like Beuscher, Darrell Wallace Jr., Jeb Burton, Daniel Suarez, Brennan Poole and Alex Bowman.

Free Agents After This Season:
(Ironically, a bunch of these guys are *Perennial Nice Guys*)
*Trevor Bayne (year to year status with Roush, Roush likes young, marketable, clean-cut boys, so he probably stays)
Regan Smith (year to year with Tommy Baldwin, Earnhardt Jr. likes him, so he'll always find a ride somewhere)
Denny Hamlin (likely to re-sign at Gibbs, even the fourth in line has good gear over there)
Clint Bowyer (headed to Stewart-Haas, will be in the Chase in '17)
*Greg Biffle (Top dawg at Roush, likely to re-sign)
Ryan Blaney (year to year with Wood Brothers, on loan from Penske, rumored to third Penske car...eventually)
*David Ragan (year to year with BK Racing)
Paul Menard (likely stays...Dad's $ does the talking and RCR needs the dough)
Ryan Newman (running out of options as he becomes a journeyman driver. Like Kurt Busch, he's consistent in good equipment but not top tier anymore. Close, but not elite)
*Chris Buescher (on loan to Front Row from Roush, Roush not likely to let him get far. His lone win could earn him a ride at RFR)
*Landon Cassill (year to year at Front Row)
*Aric Almirola (this guy has been around too long and hasn't posted worthy results)
Brian Scott (likely stays... Daddy's money)
*Micheal Annett (again, Daddy's money)
*Matt Dibenedetto (who is this guy and where did he come from?)
*Michael McDowell (year to year)


Under-performing Drivers Who Could Find Themselves Without a Ride if Sponsors Walk:
(Performance & marketability go hand in hand, and these driver's stars are fading)
Kasey Kahne (2018)
Danica Patrick (2018)
Ricky Stenhouse (2017)

 

All that said, I wish Cup had more haggard old journeymen stars like Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Paul Menard, Martin Truex and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

I like the crop of younger guys, among them Austin Dillon, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, Alex Bowman, Jeb Burton and Kyle Larson. I am hopeful for a good future for all of them. Realistically, I don't see the global economy, American cultural climate, race attendance or TV ratings culminating for a glorious future for the sport. I'm afraid we'll see the guys with daddy's money/connections gobbling up more good seats rather than real racers. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is old school enough to invest in young hot shoes and, as the prophecies foretold, just might save this sport, one way or another.

 

Kasey Kahne has been horrible the last few years.

 

YO @thewarriordinghy ! Talladega has college student race tickets, free on-site camping, the big infield party & concert for $25 in October! All you have to do is submit your transcript or Fall schedule to get the special ticket price. Alternatively, they have a $50 two-day special available as well! I wasn't planning to go, but I just might have to jump on this.

 

I mean DAMB Y'ALL. For $25, free parking & camping and a BIG party in place, I vote a Taco drive in meet & greet at Talladega Superspeedway in October. It's not like I have three papers and a geometry exam the following week Wait, I DO, but whatever.
Put a tarp & water in the back of one Taco, Fill another bed with ice and beers, surround this with a couple RTTs and we've got a homestead. We could all meet at the exit and roll in together to establish our camp.

 

i done bought me and mine dad Lincoln tower 2 day passes and Friday admission, are you and your son going? if so you could come camp with us, my dad lives in winder, which is close to Athens...

 

It was a real struggle for him to make it the full 500 miles last year. I was up & down maybe 8 times during the race. He was full-bore punching me the final 50 laps because he was ready to go. I like to sit there and take in the entire experience. I didn't get up once at Darlington or Martinsville and I went to those with other buddies. My kiddo knew about my trips and was not happy he was left behind. He did fine at Atlanta because we were in the Governer's suite and he had other kids to play around with on the carpet. He liked the AC, catered food, theater seats and TV screens. I like to be down near the fence getting pelted with rubber marbles, dust and debris.

 

i like to be where I can see the whole race. I thought Talladega was better because the MRN announces the race through the speakers

 

The best is to get a scanner and dial in the MRN raw feed. You should hear what they say when they're on commercial break. I wish they aired that color commentary. They throw jabs at each other, talk smack about drivers & teams, and spill beans on the previous night's parties.

 

Well let me know if u wanna camp with me and my dad. We're goin to South campgrounds (free not the rowdy free one)

 

sic this guy on em