2021 NASCAR thread

10-4. On the surface, someone might see a criticism of Bubba's character and say "that's racist," but there's a whole lot of nuance and a much bigger discussion about society and popular culture to be had. Discussing this requires honesty with ourselves and a desire to learn & understand, which is one of the things I love about TW discussions. It's a wonderful sharing of thoughts and learning, be it UCAs or the travails of modern society

 

well said, sir!

 

So Dega really flipped the script for the Penske guys. Geez. Good for them.

 

I would put money on the 12 this weekend. I hope the 9 does well but his luck has to run out at these events at some point. Plus this would be a great opportunity to punt Chase right out of the playoffs if someone chose to do so. If it rains it should be wild.

 

I'm pulling for Blaney. I hope the 12 can get a championship. I always thought next year was going to be his year but I don't think anyone in the sport, fan or otherwise wouldn't like to see the 12 a championship driver.

The ROVAL is a huge race for lot of teams and drivers. Out of it, will come the best of the best!

 

Oh dang, it's time for the ROVAL boys! When it was first announced a LOT of folks were like "why?" including me. I mean- why not just go to a purpose-built road course nearby such as VIR or Road Atlanta? But oh-buddy, who would've thought a temporary infield road course would deliver some of the purest, old-school stock car racing we've seen since Riverside closed in the 1980s? The Roval is a tight, high-speed course that doesn't give drivers a single chance to relax. I listened to the first one on the radio when Blaney lucked into victory lane. I attended the Xfinity race the following year, to which my then 8-year old said "dad, I have to admit, that was one hell of a race!" Last year we attended the Sunday event which was a hootin' hollerin' good time. The Roval is the most fun I've had at a NASCAR event in years. Everyone in the stands is fully into it; jumping up and down, yelling, giving high-fives to strangers. It's the new 1990's Bristol. Everyone leans onto each other all race long, in the stands and on the track. The winner is the one who keeps their nose clean. I can't effectively communicate how WILD it is to see a 3500 # stock car turn hard right towards the frontstretch wall all while riding on two wheels. It's SO FREAKIN' FUN.

My picks: 9, 12, 14
It's hard to bet against Hendrick #9. Larson is decent on road courses but hasn't run the Roval since 2019. If Briscoe drives here as he did at Indy, he is my dark horse.

Interesting parallels between Saturday and Sunday events. Ford/Chevy wins with Chevy repeat winners:

Xfinity:
2018- Briscoe (Ford)
2019- Allmendinger (Chevy)
2020- Allmendinger (Chevy)

Cup:
2018- Blaney (Ford)
2019- Elliott (Chevy)
2020- Elliott (Chevy)​

Wins by Manufacturer:

• Ford- 1
• Toyota- 0
• Chevrolet- 2

Source: https://www.racing-reference.info/tracks/Charlotte_Motor_Speedway_Road_Course/

Wins by Driver:

• Elliott- 2
• Blaney- 1

Source: https://www.racing-reference.info/tracks/Charlotte_Motor_Speedway_Road_Course/


Active Driver Averages:

• Elliott 2.67
• Bowman 4.67
• Blaney 4.67
• Allmendinger 7
• Logano 7.3
• Harvick 7.67
• Custer 9
• Truex 9.3
• Ku Busch 9.67
• Reddick 12

https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar/track_avg.php?trk_id=206#all

 

your top 12!

 

Thank you. What is nice here opposed to other places is we can all discuss something we share as a common interest in with varying points of view and perspectives. Though we might disagree at times we still show one another respect and can accept our differences. Combined with objectively looking at the others perspective and allowing ourselves to educate ourselves in the process of sharing our opinions. I mean at the end of the day who wants to go to bed with the same person night after night void of something different from time to time; wait, shit!

 

If Harvick does not retire I hope they get the equipment back under him. It's no fun watching him suck. I suspect he will find a way to get into that top 8. He has a way of doing that plus after last year you know he just wants to make that final 4.

All I really want to see is the 11 be favored then come up short at PIR. That just never gets old for me!

 

Try being a Matty D fan.

 

Man- that guy was a total non-factor yesterday. Not what I expected. I wonder if the team is just phoning it in for the rest of the season. from what I understand he had been throwing them, and especially his CC, under the bus for a while.

 

He totally got screwed out of that ride. Dex bribed Penske to get Harrison into the 21. Matt doesn't have his own sponsorship so he was a toss away.

The biggest reason I love him is because he has heart and talent... didn't sell his soul for fame just went out and worked for it. That unfortunately isn't how the sport functions anymore. All about the money.

 

It felt like the 21 was actually good equipment for a min before 12 came along. Like it was on par with the 2 and 22. Now it seems it is sub par at best and that sucks because I feel like that leaves people looking at Matty D like he can't get it done but I just don't feel that way. I mean anyone who has worked that hard for it seems like they could get it done if the equipment were there. Maybe he will get a decent ride in Xfinity but I doubt it. Feels kinda like a rerun of the end of Elliot Sadlers career.

 

his avg. finishes in the 21 are higher than what Blaney did in the car over the same span. Only difference is Blaney put the bumper to Harvick for a Pocono win.

 

I am talking about my emotions man. I don’t care about actual data! JK…

 

Concord, NC expecting 1/2" of rain through Saturday.
70% rain on Friday
60% on Saturday
Partly cloudy Sunday

I've called an audible on camping and won't show up until mid-day Saturday in hopes of sparing my family from most of the moisture. Looking forward to hootin' good time at the track. The Roval has quickly climbed the list of must-see events along with the Bristol night race, Southern 500, Talladega, and Daytona 500.

 

Enjoy!!

 

Have fun.