NASCAR Fans

[dhshivers]

Gotta love it.

Sure, April Fools' Day comes but once a year, and some silly stories have been making the rounds. (Stairmasters in the NYC subway? Brad and Angelina married? Really? No.) But one thing is now clear: Keep the jokes away from NASCAR.

All Car and Driver magazine tried to do was drive a little levity into the auto industry bailout with a prank. The serious publication ran a joke story that announced that Obama had ordered Chevrolet and Dodge out of NASCAR if they wanted to keep their federal funds. For a brief web-fueled moment, NASCAR fans had to imagine a future of cheering on Japanese cars. Or worse, French ones. The horror.

Immediately, the Internet went crazy, with searches on "obama nascar" accelerating in Search and zooming across Twitter. Although the story was clearly marked a hoax, Car and Driver eventually pulled the fake story and apologized for going "too far."

Not to worry, NASCAR fans: Nobody's pulling out of NASCAR. Yet. As Automobile magazine's blog noted nervously, "Let's just hope that the auto task force doesn't read this and get any ideas."

[markwemple]

Didn't realize that NASCAR fans could read, let alone use the 'net.

[smdubovsky]

didn't realize that nascar fans could read, let alone use the 'net.

lolz

[Trak Ratt]

Curious how much "factory" $$$ flow to NASCAR anyway. Chassis and bodies aren't factory and I doubt if much of the motors beyound block and heads ever even saw a factory loading dock.

[John Clay]

Curious how much "factory" $$$ flow to NASCAR anyway. Chassis and bodies aren't factory and I doubt if much of the motors beyound block and heads ever even saw a factory loading dock.

Factory $$$ does not equal factory parts.

[Trak Ratt]

Factory $$$ does not equal factory parts.
Totally agree, but putting the "Bowtie" emblem on your aluminum bodied, tube frame, carbed "chevy" could mean you paid them for the honor! Just wondering the level of sponsorship NASCAR boys enjoy these days? Back in the day when chevy pulled out of race’n like nixon’s dad should have the bowtie was a no-show for years.

[dhshivers]

I've had that conversation about the cars with some NASCAR folks and normally they did not believe me. The only thing that is factory are the maybe the decals.

[John Clay]

I've had that conversation about the cars with some NASCAR folks and normally they did not believe me. The only thing that is factory are the maybe the decals.

Recently? Someone thought they were production based cars? NASCAR doesn't even pretend anymore. Heck even Lighting McQueen is non manufacturer specific.

[dhshivers]

About a year ago. We were stationed in TN and a year before that was MS. Think about it.

[markwemple]

I'm not sure if any of the engine components are from the manufacturer. To call it stock car racing is like calling WWE wrestling.

[dhshivers]

I'm not sure if any of the engine components are from the manufacturer. To call it stock car racing is like calling WWE wrestling.

Roger that. There are none.

[Trak Ratt]

To call it stock car racing is like calling WWE wrestling.
It is “stock car” racing but as defined by NASCAR. Their rules define and describe every aspect of car design and performance. Maybe it would be better to call it “NASCAR Spec Racing?” NASCAR is a racing juggernaut that found early on that the key to success was to design circuits that allowed just about every spectator a ring side seat. Not a new idea as many other race organizations have the same business model. They just do it really well.

I’m reminded of a line from the show West Wing and I paraphrase; “it’s not that you don’t like NASCAR, you don’t like the people that like NASCAR!”

[markwemple]

The line from the West Wing is partially true. I have friends who like it, but in general, yup, I hate rednecks and honestly, NASCRAP as a whole concept, SUCKS!

[John Clay]

I like NASCAR. At least it has full fields. Just wish they would replace some of those cookie cutter 1 1/2 mile tracks with some more road courses.

[smdubovsky]

key to success was to design circuits that allowed just about every spectator a ring side seat

Just wish they would replace some of those cookie cutter 1 1/2 mile tracks with some more road courses.

John, that violates rule #1.

[Dr K]

I find NASCAR boring, but must admit that with the wide tracks that have multiple acceptable lines to drive, there is a certain excitement to the challenges that involve drivers' skill more than cars. Of course, the fans don't go to see that--they go for the crashes.

[Potomac-Greg]

I wonder how "stock" an Aussie V8 Supercar is?

[Rick K]

YouTube - Drunk Lawnmower Guy

[Trak Ratt]

I wonder how "stock" an Aussie V8 Supercar is?
I wonder how "stock" the podium PCA CR stock class cars are? As long as they meet the specs in the GCR's for their group (or don't get caught) then they are classifies as stock.

[washington dc porsche]

WTF, is this real? The cop said he's clocking out for the day he should have let him go.. lol


YouTube - Drunk Lawnmower Guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqjoY51buf8)

[hobiecat]

I know most of the cars are purpose built for oval racing, but
I imagine that the cars they drive at Watkins Glen might actually
be "interesting" to drive. They have a ton of power, not that much
downforce (as compared to an other race cars) and big wide
Goodyear tires. Anyway, I can't imagine that someone like Boris Said
would bother to drive one unless it was, at the very least, "interesting".

(Or maybe they're paying him a lot of money) :D

[racer]

Boris likely does it beacuse its a paying job. Touted as a "road racing specialist" teams may find their odds better with him than a less experienced "roundy round" specialist. That said, I would imagine the cars not so fun to drive, even at the glen. Who wants a 3500lb car!

I think the Glen race would be much more fun if they ran the Boot.. lot more "brake" problems and "rubbin is racin" stuff... alls Im sayin'

[VaSteve]

I enjoy watching NASCAR especially with my 4 year old son who knows all the drivers, by sight, car and sponsor. And their Nationwide cars...and some of the trucks. Sometimes, it's a bit boring, so I can do other things and catch the end of the race.

They have been very successful at building an accessible sport that you can visit every week without knowing all the behind the scenes drama. The 9 hours of preshow can fill you in if need be. :) Positive camber is interesting to see :) The new COT actually looks like it's going around "loose"/slightly sideways since they have found that's how to get max downforce.

Road racing is hard to follow in person (anyone ever go to Summit to watch a race?) The NASCAR drivers typically hate the road courses. That's always funny to see them complaining about it.

[MBuck951]

I attended the Martinsville race this past weekend. As a road racing fan, I was not expecting to be THAT impressed with the show, but I was wrong. It was great short track racing and not just roundy roundy. You could clearly see the strategy and watch the whole thing unfold. With a radio, I heard everything the crews and drivers were saying. I was sad to see Scott Speed knocked out. I don't know what the TV broadcast was saying, but he had a car to win. Just like road racing, the leaders really had to deal with traffic and those who did it best won. Gordon was clearly the fastest guy in the open track, but when they came to traffic he lost his momentum. Johnson, Hamilin, etc.. were able to get him. I really think more people should go check it out and not just stand back taking shots at NASCAR from afar.

[VaSteve]

I had a hard time watching Martinsville since it was so short and found something else to do. I like going to Dover. 1 mile is enough to stretch the cars out a bit and get a good run going. It's wild to be there and "hear" the yellows come out as everyone throttles back.

Talladega is interesting to watch. I don't fully understand how the drafting there works, but guys can lay back the whole race and then team up and make a run for it in the last couple of laps and win the damn thing. Almost happened for Carl Edwards last fall but he bumped the guy he was drafting and crashed out.

[Jase007]

I like NASCAR.

Been to the races a few times.

I like running with former NASCAR cars in HSR (#3,400, 10" slicks). Most have fresh not "strictly" regulated or choked down motors. ;) They have their own class, put on a good show at all the road courses I / HSR runs and they slip slide that sh*t (the good ones) as well as most urpeen car drovers.

They don't typically do the enduros; they are the former road course cars; they are a tight knit racing group out to have as much fun as their non-NASCAR runnin' friends are having. Best part, you can get into one with a semi-fresh motor / trans for ~$30K and have a blast on all the great tracks us "road course" guys drove.

It's all good. :D

[edit]

This is where they are running this year (HSR) if you want to check them out:

Sebring Endurance Challenge - Feb. 28 - March 2
Mitty - May 1 - 4
Watkins Glen (1-Hour Enduro) - June 12 - 15
Miller Motorsports Park - Sept. 11 - 14
SVRA VIR - Sept. 25 - 28
SVRA Road Atlanta - Oct. 16 - 19
Daytona Continental Historic Races - Nov. 6 - 9
Sebring Historic Fall Classic - Dec. 4 - 7

[end edit]

[tdatk]

I'm a old closet Nascar fan as well although I prefer the older drovers and only because that's the guy's I used to watch in the 90's and I got the chance to meet most of them through my business connections with Coke. To me the best races were at small tracks epically Bristol. I had pit passes/access for the entire race(s) and spent the entire race with the pit crews and drivers in the infield . The thing with Bristol was you had to keep your head on a swivel during the race as wrecked cars would come into the infield where you may be standing in whatever shape they wrecked in, on fire or whatever and may be heading your way very quickly. It just added to the excitement. Couple of pics from2002.

[VaSteve]

I like NASCAR.

Been to the races a few times.

I like running with former NASCAR cars in HSR (#3,400, 10" slicks). Most have fresh not "strictly" regulated or choked down motors. ;) They have their own class, put on a good show at all the road courses I / HSR runs and they slip slide that sh*t (the good ones) as well as most urpeen car drovers.

They don't typically do the enduros; they are the former road course cars; they are a tight knit racing group out to have as much fun as their non-NASCAR runnin' friends are having. Best part, you can get into one with a semi-fresh motor / trans for ~$30K and have a blast on all the great tracks us "road course" guys drove.



This one's been for sale in the back of the SCCA magazine for a while:
https://www.dupontregistry.com/Autos/Search/drausearchdetails.aspx?itemid=545664

With 800 HP, I could pass Gt-3s. :)

[markwemple]

Gotta love that a 2006 NASCAP is vintage. Heck, with pushrod engines, carbs, sold rear axles, etc. they are vintage out of the box!

[John Clay]

This one's been for sale in the back of the SCCA magazine for a while:
https://www.dupontregistry.com/Autos/Search/drausearchdetails.aspx?itemid=545664

With 800 HP, I could pass Gt-3s. :)

Wonder what the tire budget would be?

[roundel]

That said, I would imagine the cars not so fun to drive, even at the glen. Who wants a 3500lb car!

I think the Glen race would be much more fun if they ran the Boot.. lot more "brake" problems and "rubbin is racin" stuff... alls Im sayin'

Have you ever been on track with a NASTYCAR or a BUSCH car. They look plenty fun to drive and don't kid yourself that they are slow. They are moving along just fine. I was at an event where an instructor had an older BUSCH Oldsmobile and he was flying by me like I was in reverse. I too wish they ran the boot though. ;)

[dhshivers]

Carol and I went to a race in Memphis. It was Montoya's first race. They made his life miserable. He finally got punted out of the race in a corner about halfway through the race.

We also drove cars in the Petty series once. As per, cars are heavy and the transmissions were really loose until you got up to speed. In fact, it was first to fourth and leave it there.

I just want their tire budget.

[Snoopy]

Back in the mid to late 70's and early eighty's NASCAR had a Winston West series. This is when the cars still looked like the production models, they would run a Laguna Seca and Sears Point it was fun to watch. There is nothing quite like Saturday night dirt track race, big V8's making lots of noise:D I will watch also most any form of motor racing, don't quite get into drag racing but understand the appeal. Used to watch Wide World of Sports growing up and every once in awhile they would show motorcycle ice racing. Tires were spiked.... Just because they only turn one direction most of the time does not mean they are not talented. Don't forget that there are a number of NASCAR drivers who show up and drive in the Daytona 24 hour race.

[racer]

Have you ever been on track with a NASTYCAR or a BUSCH car. They look plenty fun to drive and don't kid yourself that they are slow. They are moving along just fine. I was at an event where an instructor had an older BUSCH Oldsmobile and he was flying by me like I was in reverse. I too wish they ran the boot though. ;)


Yes.. at WG with CHIN a few years back we had a Truck series truck and a Busch car. Neither seemed particularly fast, especially in the corners.. (i know, driver skill was likely the reason) but I was left unimpressed. I am also not a fan of such heavy cars. Even with 700hp, they are still heavy.

I also didn't say the drivers were not talented.. they are.. I just don't find the cars appealing.

[markwemple]

From what I can remember, NASCAR drivers don't fare too well in sports cars. Also, to me, racing is about improving the beast and using 50 yr old tech isn't improving anything. Not a big fan of the driving style either. I hate wrecks and NASCAR is all about wrecking.

[Trak Ratt]

From what I can remember, NASCAR drivers don't fare too well in sports cars. Also, to me, racing is about improving the beast and using 50 yr old tech isn't improving anything.
Well there you go! Funny, I understand that NASCRAP drovers do VERY well on road courses. Any body that can slide a 3500 lump around almost continuous corners for 500 miles has some car control skillz IMO.

NASCAR improves the bread but is about RACING, one guy droving faster than everyone else with everybody in approximately the same car. Just like…. wait for it… every spec class venue ever dreamed of. I don’t like NASCAR, F1 or just about any other TV spectator sport but appreciate the skill level needed to be successful :|

[markwemple]

Ummm, DR, what you smokin'?

[Trak Ratt]

Ummm, DR, what you smokin'? :roll: I have an opening for next Wednesday if you are available?

[zahjah]

[quote=Snoopy;252009] Used to watch Wide World of Sports growing up and every once in awhile they would show motorcycle ice racing. Tires were spiked....

yeah... me too that was awesome. this is the kind of stuff speed channel should be showing instead of "livin' the low life"....haven't seen the ice racing in a long time...what about mototcycle racing with side cars!!

i've been a nascar fan since the grand national days and remember as a kid some of the epic battles between cal yarborough, buddy baker and "the king". have to admit i'm not as much of a fan as i always found the weekend storyline an important part of understanding the race. the average person [fan] doesn't really realize all the preparation, coordination and effort it takes to put any car/bike on the track at any level.

have to take arguement though that nascar drovers don't make good road racers--
jimmie johnson, tony stewart, kurt busch and kyle petty hold there own in the daytona prototypes when they run and dale junior seems to get around a road course pretty quick in that compuserve corvette his driven a few times. i also remember jeff gordon hopping in to an F1 car at indy( i think it was) a few years ago and putting down some decent times.

[John Clay]

I've seen ice motorcycle racing on MAV t.v. a few times in the last month. Looks like it's in a regular indoor ice rink. Doesn't actually do much for me.

Other things I've seen recently, can't recall if it was MAV, or something else:

Skid plate racing. They put metal skid plates in place of rear tires (front wheel drive cars) and they race at a small paved oval. Rather amusing.

Figure 8 racing.

"Team demolition". I haven't quite figure out the rules to that one and it's a bit hard to follow. But there are big collisions.

Then one where guys in regular cars were trying to spin out a bus.

[hobiecat]

i also remember jeff gordon hopping in to an F1 car at indy( i think it was) a few years ago and putting down some decent times.

Yeah...he traded cars with JPM for a few laps (the show was called "Tradin Paint" I think). Might even be where JPM got the
notion to drive in NASCAR. Bottom line was that Gordon actually ran lap times that would've qualified him for the
F1 race that year....that, and he had apparently only driven the Williams/BMW F1 car for the first time in his life
that day. I have to say I was pretty impressed. The man has skillz.

[MBuck951]

1:55's on VIR full course. Not slow

[Lupin..the..3rd]

1:55's on VIR full course. Not slow
Of course they're not slow. These "stock cars" have dry-sump V8's pushing 800 hp and have tube-frame chassis with fg panels on the outside. It's just like the Ford Taurus you get from your local dealership. :roll:

ALMS GT class is probably the closest professional racing these days that's based on real production models.

[Dr K]

Other than that big engine, what makes them so heavy? FG bodys, race seats, no interior, no AC. Is that 1000 lbs of engine and 1500 pounds of tube frame, 400 lbs of wheels/tires, and the rest that other stuff?

[Trak Ratt]

Other than that big engine, what makes them so heavy? FG bodys, race seats, no interior, no AC. Is that 1000 lbs of engine and 1500 pounds of tube frame, 400 lbs of wheels/tires, and the rest that other stuff?
IIRC they're aluminium but wheels, tires, gas, tube frames, BIG ASS CAR = 3500+ lbs.

[racer]

Yeah...he traded cars with JPM for a few laps (the show was called "Tradin Paint" I think). Might even be where JPM got the
notion to drive in NASCAR. Bottom line was that Gordon actually ran lap times that would've qualified him for the
F1 race that year....that, and he had apparently only driven the Williams/BMW F1 car for the first time in his life
that day. I have to say I was pretty impressed. The man has skillz.

Well.. he was driving 800 hp dirt track cars at 16.. he'd best have some skills :cool:


http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/nascar-basics/nascar1.htm

that don't look too light

[Dr K]

Well.. he was driving 800 hp dirt track cars at 16.. he'd best have some skills :cool:


http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/nascar-basics/nascar1.htm

that don't look too light
Kind of looks like Kurt's car a year ago :D

[}{arlequin]

they really should get rid of the word 'stock' when they talk ab this sport.

really... it's insulting to the intelligence

[Trak Ratt]

they really should get rid of the word 'stock' when they talk ab this sport.

really... it's insulting to the intelligenceSpec NASCRAP

[VaSteve]

Talladega is interesting to watch. I don't fully understand how the drafting there works, but guys can lay back the whole race and then team up and make a run for it in the last couple of laps and win the damn thing. Almost happened for Carl Edwards last fall but he bumped the guy he was drafting and crashed out.


Looks like history repeated itself today. That was an exciting last 6 laps!

[hobiecat]

Looks like history repeated itself today. That was an exciting last 6 laps!

Yeah...that was an amazing wreck at the end. Luckily, nobody got hurt, especially the spectators.
The catch fence did a good job, but if he had been up in the air any higher, it wouldn't have made any difference.

Edwards was really cool about the whole thing. He basically said the guy he got in the wreck with
did nothing wrong and that he had no idea the guy was even there because it happened so fast.

[}{arlequin]

He basically said the guy he got in the wreck with
did nothing wrong and that he had no idea the guy was even there because it happened so fast.
yeah, sure he didn't know. that's why he first moved up high and then switched down low (to chop him)


not to mention the fact that he could tell the other guy's eye color from his mirrors for the last few laps.

[Dr K]

Well.. he was driving 800 hp dirt track cars at 16.. he'd best have some skills :cool:


http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/nascar-basics/nascar1.htm

that don't look too lightBTW, I ran into a "stock car" racer at OG a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, they stuff 300-400 lbs of lead into that lower square tube in the frame, mostly on the driver's side (since they mostly make left turns :D).

[hobiecat]

yeah, sure he didn't know. that's why he first moved up high and then switched down low (to chop him)


not to mention the fact that he could tell the other guy's eye color from his mirrors for the last few laps.

Just repeating what he said. I'm sure his spotter told him exactly where the guy was. Edwards
has a "nice guy" image off the track, but on the track, he's well known for being aggressive on the track
....so I wasn't really surprised that he turned into the guy. Just surprised he was able to walk away.

[Dr K]

I would think when you're obviously pushing somebody's car sideways like that at 200 MPH you'd back off the gas just a bit...

[}{arlequin]

Just repeating what he said. I'm sure his spotter told him exactly where the guy was. Edwards
has a "nice guy" image off the track, but on the track, he's well known for being aggressive on the track
....so I wasn't really surprised that he turned into the guy. Just surprised he was able to walk away.
i agree, as long as he isn't crying foul ab the incident. i was mostly mocking the fact that like all athletes, he sounds like he has selective memory. as for the crash, that's part of racing and the phrase "checkers or wreckers" surely fit the bill in this instance. pretty exciting finish.

(though crossing the finish line on the roof, while on fire, is still tops in my book)

[hobiecat]

i agree, as long as he isn't crying foul ab the incident. i was mostly mocking the fact that like all athletes, he sounds like he has selective memory. as for the crash, that's part of racing and the phrase "checkers or wreckers" surely fit the bill in this instance. pretty exciting finish.

(though crossing the finish line on the roof, while on fire, is still tops in my book)

Yeah..I thought it was cool that he didn't whine about it.

Actually.....A couple of weeks from now, nobody will even remember that he wrecked a guy,
destroyed 2 cars, and could've killed some spectators.....No....They'll just remember that
he ran across the finish line like "Ricky Bobby".

[Trak Ratt]

Yeah..I thought it was cool that he didn't whine about it.

Actually.....A couple of weeks from now, nobody will even remember that he wrecked a guy,
destroyed 2 cars, and could've killed some spectators.....No....They'll just remember that
he ran across the finish line like "Ricky Bobby".X2, wonder if he had the wheel if it would have counted!!

[Jase007]

Speaking of NASCAR wrecks ...

http://bcove.me/7iamxdk9

[VaSteve]

That was truly unbelievable. An engine and two wheels in the stands. Lot so people hurt. I hope the end up being OK.

[tdatk]

I'll be in that grandstand area tomorrow.... might bring my helmet.:shock: