Comments on: Ask The Insiders Wednesday #34

By: Tom in TN

Tom in TN — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:06:57 +0000

Thanks for answering my questions guys…Im a noob to the site, Glad I found you guys..

By: Neon

Neon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:52:52 +0000

Jon-Whoa there boy…easy now! I like your passion and flair because that’s why we are all here to express opinions, make comments and ask questions. But “saying that racing is boring nowadays. Anyone saying that is NOT A RACE FAN.”

That’s kinda like getting reprimanded by your teacher for asking a question after she claims there are no stupid questions. Perception is reality here. If you or I say any event is boring, or really gripping for that fact, then it is for each of us through our own filter.

I often hear people say NASCAR, or any motorsports, are boring and usually from the casual or newbie viewer. Typically, that is due in large part that they don’t yet understand the technical aspect, procedures, strategies, preparation, speed or endurance that goes into racing. Sometimes I just flat out agree that it’s boring. But then again, I am a racing purest and appreciate the technical side of racing as much as the on track show.

Sidenote: TNI is a great place to learn and ask. The task of teaching and opening up the eyes of your comrades is up to you and I.

So take a newbie on a tour of TNI, watch a race on TV and then drag them out to the speedway (local or professional) and be the one to break it all down for your new friend. Just don’t get mad at him when he hates your favorite driver.

Oh and COT….Indy wasn’t only boring because of COT per se. Indy was boring because the cars are not on the absolute limit and they are all identical. Well except for the grill and headlight stickers! MM quailed at what 182 mph average? Get that up to 200+ mph average w/ 200teens on the straight and not everybody can hang on and now we have a legitimate brawl! IMHO…

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:31:01 +0000

In response to David’s question, I don’t recall NASCAR reversing a speeding penalty. I do, however, vividly remember NASCAR reversing a black flag on Earnhardt at Rockingham in October 1995. Earnhardt was called back into the pits following a pit stop when the official thought he left without all five lugs on one wheel. When Earnhardt came back it, he had all five on, but some were painted a color, others weren’t. NASCAR used the next caution, I believe, trying to rectify the situation. Ward Burton wound up getting his first win anyway.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:28:01 +0000

I agree with Gary, Nascars biggest problem is not the competition or even Jeremy Methfield, it is lack of transparency and the appearance of making the rules up as you go along.

I’m not saying that Nascar does this, but they do give that appearance. Why not show the pit road speeds to the viewing audience? Why not show the debris that brings out the debris caution?

Even baseball now has the ability to show whether a pitch was in the strike zone or not – this doesn’t change the umpires call but it sure keeps them honest. Same with football, basketball or any other professional sport, replays and reviews don’t always change the call but they do help to keep everyone honest and working hard to make better judgment calls.

I know its hard for Nascar to believe that they will be forgiven for blowing a call from time to time. What is not forgiven is the appearance of favoritism and covering up mistakes.

By: Jon

Jon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:06:55 +0000

Also one more question. In regard to #8… did NASCAR admit any error during the last Nationwide race at (I believe) Kentucky? I remember Carl Edwards and numerous others getting hit with speeding penalties multiple times throughout the race, making many believe that NASCAR messed up their timing on the pit road speed limit.

By: Jon

Jon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:21:14 +0000

THANK YOU for saying the racing is way better now than it has ever been! I’m tired of people attacking NASCAR/auto racing/COT over and over again saying that racing is boring nowadays. Anyone saying that is NOT A RACE FAN. You can claim that racing was better in the 60′s and 70′s, but there’s simply no facts or numbers to back that up.

Indy doesn’t make for the best races. Saying the COT is at fault or the racing sucks is saying “I don’t like racing” because this is the most competitive racing on the planet. No other series features cars that finish in groups of 20, 25 or even 30 or more cars on the lead lap. No series features races that finish with a margin of victory of less than a second nearly as often as NASCAR. And no series features as many lead changes in a season as NASCAR. So, get out of here with your boring racing stuff and go watch another sport if you don’t like NASCAR.