The Daytona 500... What Did You Think?

[Raptor]

Well, the boys of Stock Car Racing are back! I was curious who of us out there saw the race and what did you think of the new car and this new two-by-two drafting.

Personally I had mixed feelings about it. I do like the new car, I think it's a big improvement over last year, especially the new nose. That tire cutter of a front splitter last year was horrible! This two-by-two drafting is really different - it's more exciting than the long freight trains we have seen in past years. But at the end of the day it's still restrictor plate racing which carries with it the same old pitfalls. Over all, though, it was OK. Too much carnage, especially at the end!

I think it's too soon to tell if they are going to have to tweak the aero package yet until we get a few un-restricted races in and see what happens. So what did you guys think?

 

[IWN2RYD]

Mixed feelings here as well.

At first I was not happy with the two car idea... Then as the race progressed I became a fan of it and think it brings a lot more excitement back into the race instead of the boring year last year was.

Last year the idea of allowing "Air" to define the majority of the race was fine to display another driver skills vs another. But it put me to sleep more often than not.

That is not to say "Air" has not been a factor, of course it has and is. I am just saying they went to far with it last year and almost killed the sport for me. In fact... Last year I watched the least amount of racing. I would click the TV on towards the last handful of laps for the last half of the year.

Now for that young man who won yesterday, clearly has a great family support structure, I could not be happier.

Before the race I was "O-hum" about Nascar this year. Now I am looking forward to the next race :2thumbs:

 

[Raptor]

I know, wasn't it fun to see the new kid win it? I think of all the new rookies we have seen come out in the last few years, I think Trevor Bayne is the real deal. Many say flash in the pan but somehow I don't think so. It was also pretty cool to see that 21 car back in Victory Lane. The Wood Brothers have been racing for as long as I can remember, and to come out with a classic paint scheme, a new face and then win it all was kind of special. Hopefully they can secure some funding and expand their schedule.

It will be interesting to see how these cars do next week, as they will be in very different conditions; a flat, 1-mile D-shaped oval in PIR. Quite the contrast from yesterday!

 

[CyncySpyder]

:2thumbs: Still not sold on the 2car push tho. Guess we'll just see how it plays out :dontknow: As for the new kid :firstplace: Look'n forward to see'n more & this should make for a great Rivalry with Dale JR :yes:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I loved the outcome, that kid can drive! It would seem to me that it takes more skill to be the pusher than it does to be the lead car and he pushed all day. I think we will see big things from Trevor in the future.

I kept picturing a car pulling a travel trailer around the track as that is what it looked like! :2thumbs:

 

[Spyder#353]

I love the Lovebug racing. They just need to install a see through window in the cars so the guy in the back can see more in the front. Still don't like the restrictor plate. Speeds got around 205 mph... SO WHAT!! You still can get hert at 195 mph. Both speeds are dangerous.:chat:

 

[EricDeub]

For me since Nascar came up with the chase it has ruined the sport forever. If you don't make the chase and your 10 points behind the last spot, what the hell is the point? Call me old fashioned but the point leader for the entire race season should be the champ.

 

[IWN2RYD]

For me since Nascar came up with the chase it has ruined the sport forever. If you don't make the chase and your 10 points behind the last spot, what the hell is the point? Call me old fashioned but the point leader for the entire race season should be the champ.

:agree:

At least it is getting closer to a better points system http://www.nascar.com/news/110127/nascar-changes-points-clarification-explained/index.html

 

[NancysToy]

I am still trying to adjust my mind to the vision and the concept of the two-car hookups. There is something that grates me the wrong way about a driver with multiple radios in his car, and the ability to talk to the other drivers. The spotters serve a purpose for safety's sake, but talking to another driver to plot and plan seems very wrong to me. Maybe it's because in a dragster, wearing a firemask, we were all alone. That's the kind of racing I am used to. It just seems right, somehow. I definitely agree that the kid can drive! Lots of skill and an immense amount of instinct, trust, and knowledge required to push blindly around a circle track at over 200. To do it in your second ever Cup race is phenomenal! Lots of lead changes and lots of leaders means the racing is more competitive than before, but the number of wrecks and cautions was disturbing. We'll see what the rest of the season holds. I agree about the Chase, BTW...bah, humbug!

 

[Bob Denman]

The outcome was pretty neat, but I'd rather give them another couple of hundred horses and forget about this "co-opetition" stuff.
Re-inforce the fencing and let te hairiest chest win! (Sorry Danica!)

 

[NancysToy]

The outcome was pretty neat, but I'd rather give them another couple of hundred horses and forget about this "co-opetition" stuff.
Re-inforce the fencing and let te hairiest chest win! (Sorry Danica!)

Ahhh! The good old days! :thumbup:

 

[Raptor]

I don't like the chase either. They try to sell it as a playoff format, but I'm not buying it! They should revise how they issue points and let the field slug it out to the very end.

ANd don't even get me started on those stupid restrictor plates! I understand that at some point you have to put a cap on the top end. 43 cars that weigh 3600 pounds each can't go 230 without something reeeally bad happening. But plates are not the way to do it.

There are several options that can be employed that will effectively keep the top end reasonable and also give these boys pedal to pass and really race each other. Don't know if it will ever happen but one can hope...

But the season is here, so off to PIR we go!

 

[Mo Lee]

I did watch most of this race and think the Kid did a great job. To keep your cool and not make a mistake at his age is unbelievable. I don't follow NASCAR because it seems the only racing that is done is in the last few laps. Give me some good ole local dirt track racing any day. Too bad the Wife and Kids won't allow me to attend them anymore, they are afraid I will get the itch again.

 

[NancysToy]

.....Too bad the Wife and Kids won't allow me to attend them anymore, they are afraid I will get the itch again.

I can relate to that. Nancy just slugs me in the arm when she sees that look in my eye, and warns "Don't even think about it!"

 

[Roger]

Ok here we go first off this is the "DAYTONA 500" the super bowl of stockcar racing. I don't know if anybody knows it but if you go by the old point system JJ would not have been the champion the past 2 years this year would have been Kevin Harvick. Get rid of the chase!! As far as qualifying for this race everybody time trials fastest 43 make it PERIOD not the top 35 in points or buying the points from a team that does not race anymore. or past champs. Still mixed on this two car race deal. But to make it true racing remove the restricter plate and have at it boys. Someone mentioned make it so they can see thru the car they are pushing they can again now that they got rid of of the wing. Yes i'am a fan but last year like many i would watch the start and the last 20 laps. This year may be different we will see GO 14 TONY STEWART!!

 

[Bob Denman]

GO 14 TONY STEWART!!

Roger, you had me in your corner right up until this point... but that's wat makes it fun anyway!
(Still rooting for the best uncrowned champion ever: Mark Martin!)) :thumbup:

 

[arntufun]

Roger, you had me in your corner right up until this point... but that's wat makes it fun anyway!
(Still rooting for the best uncrowned champion ever: Mark Martin!)) :thumbup:

THANK GOD NO ONE SAID KYLE BUSCH !!!!!!!
I love the new 2x2 at daytona. That race was really fun to watch. I myself am a 88 fan !!! I hope this year will be the year for him.

 

[Pandy]

Daytona my.02

Not too keen on the 2 car hookup system, but did enjoy seeing the kid win. As stated, I too think he is the real deal.

Patrick

 

[Raptor]

And here we are three races in and the kid has a win and a top 5. Not bad folks! The racing has been pretty good as well. Vegas was fun to watch, baby! I like how the cars are performing now that we get to see them in their unrestricted state. Goodyear is also bringing some nice rubber to the events as well, which is good to see. But now we go to Bristol. Bumper car time! I might just skip that one.

The 2 I'm waiting for is Atlanta and 'DEGA!!

 

[Questions]

For me since Nascar came up with the chase it has ruined the sport forever. If you don't make the chase and your 10 points behind the last spot, what the hell is the point? Call me old fashioned but the point leader for the entire race season should be the champ.

:agree:, NASCAR has gotten boring.
Rafe