As a fan and a former photographer I very much liked the new look of the cup cars. Gone is that slow, awkward looking boxcar that they raced over the last several years. They are pretty, they look fast, and they still retain a little of the appearance of the street models that they are supposed to be. Great job NASCAR.
I enjoyed the Sprint Unlimited, formerly the Bud Shootout, formerly the Busch Clash, etc., etc,. It was unfortunate that so many cars were taken out so early, but that’s racing. The new cars seem to draft well but not so good that they are totally dependant on it. Kevin Harvick was steady eddy and it paid off. Good job by him. Matt Kenseth appeared to be the guy to beat, but he continually ran too fast for any drafting help.
Ahhhh and then there’s Danica. NASCAR will get a big publicity boost from Danica Patrick’s pole winning qualifying run. She has been the leader since January practice and it held up on Sunday. Now just a few words about NASCAR’s good ole boys.
I fully understand that NASCAR drivers are going to go through some of the same Danica envy that the IRL did. I know it is difficult to watch her get fame and acclaim for something most of them have done many times before. I know it does not seem right. Get over it. It is good for your sport. NASCAR went through much the same thing when Juan Montoya appeared on the scene, except this is more intense. You guys need to be grown ups now. Your saying to me, they were just fine towards Danica’s fast time. Were they?
Race drivers are always good about giving their team credit for the car that they were given. They also take all the applause for their part of any success. Danica gave credit numerous times to her crew just as she should. She also didn’t mind the credit she got. Just like every driver that came before her. Suddenly with a woman setting the pole speed, most drivers interviewed suddenly proclaimed that fast time is due to the crew. The drivers have nothing to do with it. Even her teammate /car owner Tony Stewart made that point until the very end. Imagine the great Jimmy Johnson, knowing he was not fast enough for the pole, and knowing that Danica had been on the pole almost all day, stating just before he went out, that “even a monkey” can do this. Qualifying that is. Have you ever once heard Jimmy say that before. Only when Danica Patrick is about to own the pole for the Daytona 500, does that feat become worthy only of a monkey. For the rest of Jimmy’s career, any time he sets a fast time, we should remind him of that remark, and ask him how it is to be of equal talent to a monkey.
I admit I have never been into the soap opera part of racing. Just the same it was interesting to find out that new Roush cup driver Ricky Stenhouse was Danica's boyfriend. I did not know she was divorced. Is she?
I am looking forward to all of this weeks competition culminating with the 500. I used to go to Speedweeks and I miss not only Daytona but Volusia and New Smyrna as well. I also look forward to the 2013 Indy Car season.
Below I include a few local racing pix (they are mine) made from 2003-2007. I do that for no reason except I feel like sharing a few.
Take care,
The Outsider
Third generation (and NASCAR) driver Eric Darnell at Lake Geneva Raceway
Badger Midget at Sun Prairie Wisconsin
IRL at the Milwaukee Mile
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