2021 NASCAR thread

I think there is sawdust on the bottom, I wonder if it will get separated? They used GPS equipped equipment to lay it down, it would be interesting to see what they do

 

It would be cool to see a big mix of races. They added more road courses the last few years, maybe they are on to something.

 

I think that would be a very difficult task

 

For sure. There's a few improvements they need to make, but I think lessons were learned. Looking forward to more!

 

What a shit show! Can’t say I enjoyed the Cup race. To me, it was boring. Cup cars are too big and bulky. Truck was was way better!

 

I agree. After awhile the dirt was gone. What little bit stayed around was bumpy as hell. Didn't do much for me.

 

I think it was hard clay/packed dirt. I don’t believe they got down to the pavement. I liked it, except the finish

 

The cars are quite heavy and the noses were really digging some ruts in the turns. A few things I loved:

Bias-ply tires meant tire management was more important.
Suspension travel was a thing.
Big power to the wheels and low grip in the turns made for passing and multiple lines, which is what Bristol, and NASCAR at large, need more of.

 

Data for Martsinville (over the past ten years):

Manufacturer:
Chevy-11
Toyota-5
Ford-4

Driver Wins:
Harvick- 1
Newman -1
Ku Busch- 1
Hamlin- 1
Logano- 1
Elliott- 1
Ky Busch- 2
Keselowski- 2
Truex- 2

Driver Average Finish:
Hamlin 9.9
Keselowski 10.18
Blaney 10.7
Ky Busch 12.19
Logano 12.38
Elliott 14.55
Newman 14.82
Harvick 14.92
Truex 17
Ku Busch 19.73

Chevy has been pretty dominant here. Chase Elliott is the defending race winner. Blaney has been improving here. Truex and Kyle Busch have been successful in recent years. No practice has hurt Busch. Hamlin has the best average but makes mistakes. Still, I think he's entered a new realm of Zen lately that should help him, provided he's not distracted by his new team ownership role. Logano is stout here and good with the chrome horn.

 

No NASCAR this weekend but i just may end up doing this PPV. Anyone have more information on the Freedom 500?

https://www.cleetusmcfarland.com/freedom-500-2021/

 

So... Happy Easter everyone... on a day with no real racing I decided to hop back on Heat 5. I'm on the 4th year of my career... 1st in cup. Racing in Spring Phoenix race and this happened.

If only he could pull that off in real life.....

It was fun however... battling my real race driver for a win in fake believe racing.

This was also my first cup top 5. (I'm the RCR 3rd team... hence 31. His organization is who gave me a Cup contract option after winning Xfinity championship... also in his equipment)

 

I recently made the statement on r/nascar that Dibby is our modern-day Ted Musgrave. Well liked by fans, respected by owners, brings it home in one piece, drives some good looking machines, comes close to some wins but never seals the deal.

 

I'm gonna hope you're wrong.

 

Big Same, buddy.

 

Martinsville, Let’s get Rowdy!

 

Wouldn’t accept anything less from a Harvick fan

 

Martinsville Numbers:
(Based on 2010-2020 results)

Wins Among Manufacturers:
Chevy- 11
Toyota- 7
Ford- 4

Wins Among Active Drivers:
Hamlin- 3
Ky Busch- 2
Keselowksi- 2
Harvick- 1
Newman- 1
Ku Busch - 1
Logano-1
Truex- 2
Elliott- 1

Top Average Finish Among Active Drivers:
Hamlin- 9.93
Keselowski- 10.18
Blaney- 10.7
Ky Busch- 12.19
Logano- 12.38
Elliott- 14.55
Newman- 14.82
Harvick- 14.92
Truex- 17
Ku Busch 19.73

Sources:
https://www.racing-reference.info/tracks/Martinsville_Speedway
https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar/track_avg.php?trk_id=14

Looking at this data there's really not a clear predictor. Chevy and Toyota have had dominant runs but it's been a few years since either one put on a run of wins. When I think of Martinsville, I think of Hamlin, but he's not won here since 2015. Still, the numbers point to him as the best bet. Chevy's have a lot of wins and Elliott won the last race here but he is off to a slow start this season. Like it or not, Logano is the new king of the chrome horn at short tracks.
Safe bets: 9 11 22
Personal picks: 8 12 37

 

Picks:
18
12
11

 

Fixing to rain , must be a race tonight.

 

Hope for clear skies tomorrow.