Any Nascar Fans Out There?

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I haven't figured out why I care for this sport?

I have met the driver Ryan Newman of the Alltel 12 Dodge Charger many times since 2002 and it kind of hooked me from then on out. Ryan is a very un-assuming young man who graduated from Purdue University with a Structural Engineering degree. He is in no way the stereo typical race car driver!

I have been a Forum writer on his internet fan site for many years and have enjoyed it untill......it became female dominated and now very cliquish. Don't get me wrong, I'm only pointing out the female dominance for information purposes. I have made and strangely lost friends through all the years I have written on this forum. Seems to be the nature of the internet beast is all I can figure? It's hard to please everyone in cyber space!

Written words can be terrably mis-understood by internet readers. Got a bit windy there sorry.

Just thought I would see if there was any other Nascar fans out there?

[Danno]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42450000/jpg/_42450754_nascar_416.jpg

Go Martin Truex Jr.!!!!

[Redfox]

Cliquish i've kind of noticed that to but i still enjoy it.:tiger:

[Bengal Bob Old School]

Cliquish i've kind of noticed that to but i still enjoy it.:tiger:
Are you referring to the Ryan Newman Fan Club Forum Redfox or this forum? It's inevitable with almost all internet blogs/forums. Generally not a good thing in most cases but what can you do?

Looking forward to whoopin some Hendrick butt this year! Team 12 can do it with a little good luck!

[Danno]

Jimmy Johnson is the luckiest damn driver in NASCAR. I am still annoyed he won that title.

They should rename him "The King Of Caution Wins"

[Bengal Bob Old School]

Now your talkin Danno! That guy has had the most incredible luck of any driver in Cup history. Not including he has one of the best "cheating" crew chiefs in the business. This has been well documented.

Johnson came on to the Nascar scene the very same year Ryan Newman did in 2002. Newman won, at the time, "The Winston All Star Race" several poles and one race!Newman was awarded "Rookie of the Year" that year and had a fantastic year in 2003 with 8 wins and 11 poles.

Newman has had to over come a LOT OF CHANGES since his 2002 debut. His first year Penske used Fords Then in 2003/2004 Penske switched to Dodge with the Intrepid. Then in 2005 they switched to the Dodge Charger nose that was almost impossible to balance. 2005/2006 Penske experimented with using two different noses the Intrepid/Charger. Then in 2007, Penske was told he can not use the Intrepid nose only the Charger nose that was modified for better aero purposes. Plus, his long time crew chief Matt Borland was let go in 2007 in place of Mike. Plus lots of guys at the shop were fired and replaced. I mean that's a lot of changes for a race team to over come if you know anything about stock car racing!

But, now this year, Ryan will have back his long time engineering crew chief friend Roy who is a awesome addition to Team 12. Newman will be at the front a lot this year! Not so sure about Ohio's very own Sam Hornish who will be driving the 77 for Penske?

Penske has all the money and backing to beat Hendrick(88,24,48)but he isn't into cheating. If he does cheat, it hasn't helped. Can't wait to hear Dale Junior nation complain when they see Junior drafting Jeff Gordon to a win some day?

Newman has been in a dry spell for years now but look for him to recover with a vengeance this year!

[Joe from Florence]

I haven't figured out why I care for this sport?

I have met the driver Ryan Newman of the Alltel 12 Dodge Charger many times since 2002 and it kind of hooked me from then on out. Ryan is a very un-assuming young man who graduated from Purdue University with a Structural Engineering degree. He is in no way the stereo typical race car driver!

I have been a Forum writer on his internet fan site for many years and have enjoyed it untill......it became female dominated and now very cliquish. Don't get me wrong, I'm only pointing out the female dominance for information purposes. I have made and strangely lost friends through all the years I have written on this forum. Seems to be the nature of the internet beast is all I can figure? It's hard to please everyone in cyber space!

Written words can be terrably mis-understood by internet readers. Got a bit windy there sorry.

Just thought I would see if there was any other Nascar fans out there?
I'm a huge NASCAR fan, been a fan of Jeff Gordon's ever since his rookie year. A ton of people hate him, but I think he's one of the best drivers in the sport and always classy, not a dirty driver at all like many others (Tony Stewart)

I've been to several races, but the best weekend of my life took place back in 2003.
My sister lives in Chesapeake VA and her next door neighbor is the son of the very first black NASCAR driver Wendell Scott, Richard Pryor played him in the movie about his life "Greased Lightning" anyway, he got my brothers and myself "Hot Passes" to the Brickyard ub 2003. I've been to that race 4 times previous but never since because nothing can come close to what I got to do that weekend, it just wouldn't be the same.

A hot pass allows you to go wherever you want to go throughout the entire weekend....and i mean anywhere!!!!! they had the iroc race that weekend also so from thur- thru sunday we had the run of the place, we could go to the trailers where all the drivers were, we ate with Ricky Rudd and his crew, they grilled out one night and invited me and my brothers to eat with them. Got every drivers autograph, many several times during the 3 days except for 1....Tony Stewart, everytime he was approached for an autograph, the stuck up arse wouldn't even bother looking at you to give an answer, he would ignore you and have one of "His people" tell you no. he was a punk.

Anyway the very frist autograph i got that weekend was from the king himself, Richard Petty and the very last I got was AJ Foyt. talk about a dream weekend, and i didn't even tell you the best part.

Want to see where i watched the race from? see the picture below
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6673/1000277ja4.jpg
thats right, got to watch the race IN THE PITS with Gordons pit crew!!!!!!!!!!
That is how close i was to the action, that is an actual pit stop during the race. I was literally 5 feet from his car lol...it was awesome!!!!!!

got another pic for you....it's me and the King, he saw my brothers and i standing watching him being interviewed by a newspaper reporter and he stopped the interview and asked us over, gave us autographs and asked if we wanted pictures with him...he was so freaking nice....thats a pic i got with him as he's signing my hat...out of frame.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9447/joeandkingve2.jpg

[Danno]

Nice, Joe! Heck, if your sister is down here you should get down here for a Richmond night race! That was my first race experience last september.

mmmm. Beer.

[Bengal Dude]

I've been to three races, 1999/2005/2007 races at Sears Point/Infineon Raceway. It's my favorite track because I love road courses. My driver was/is Ricky Rudd. He did good at those three races, but crashed at the end of the 99 race. I was lucky to get Rudd's autograph this past year and a picture with him, and I got to watch him get inducted into Infineon's Wall of Fame. It was the greatest experience I've ever had.

I am not a fan of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Ryan Newman, among others. Gordon and Johnson were really stuck up at Sonoma and ignored the fans. I remember that Gordon and Johnson wouldn't even turn around in the garage for fans to take pictures. In 2005, I was getting Ryan Newman's autograph and he just wasn't professional at all. He treated the signing like a prison sentence. He didn't look at fans and it was difficult to even get pictures. I don't dislike drivers just because other people do, mine are from personal experiences.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I'm a huge NASCAR fan, been a fan of Jeff Gordon's ever since his rookie year.

That is good stuff there Joe!

I have to agree, Jeff Gordon is one of the very best drivers in Cup. You can't argue with 4 Championship titles and him being up front at the end of every race. I have pictures of Ryan and I but the worlds not ready for such male beaty.(LOL)

All of Team Penske(2,12,77) is going after Hendrick Motor Sports this year. It will be a major task but Hendrick is simply the very best in the Cup series for now.

Honestly Joe, I got into Nascar because of the nagging slow come back of my favorite football team based in Cincinnati. I will always love this team God love em but I needed another sport to be excited about while waiting!

[Danno]

Here are some pics from the Richmond night race in September. Sorry they aren't that high quality. They are from my cell phone cam.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2489/richmond07tracksmalluq2.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4410/richmond07mesmallek4.jpg

[jamiethelanky]

How is Juan Pablo doing? Not really my cup of tea, but I'd like to see some of the ex F1 guys doing well. Is Allan McNish still driving?

[Danno]

Juan Pablo did pretty well in his rookie year. Been doing pretty well in the Busch series too (the lesser series, usually where talent develops).

He did start to get a reputation though, because he likes to bump and wreck people. From what I have heard from other driver interviews, he is not particularly liked because of the wrecking.

[Bengal Dude]

Juan Pablo did pretty well in his rookie year. Been doing pretty well in the Busch series too (the lesser series, usually where talent develops).

He did start to get a reputation though, because he likes to bump and wreck people. From what I have heard from other driver interviews, he is not particularly liked because of the wrecking.

He was booed immensley in Sonoma. It rivaled the boos for Gordon and Johnson. Ricky Rudd's crew chief told him to move over when Juan got behind him becuase he was punting people outof the way.

[whoodeybaby]

i too enjoy nascar,ive kind of gotten behind the last year and didnt watch much at all, ive been to richmond for the night race twice, martinsville once, and texas once ive always been a mark martin fan but with him semi retiring, i jumped on the carl edwards bandwagon his rookie year, so as long as hendricks doesnt win another cup im fine with whoever else wins.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

How is Juan Pablo doing? Not really my cup of tea, but I'd like to see some of the ex F1 guys doing well. Is Allan McNish still driving?Juan is a great driver that does take a lot of risk at the cost to other drivers!

There are a lot of IRL/INDY/F1 drivers coming to the Nascar Cup series. My favorite driver Ryan Newman will have Sam Hornnish(from Ohio) as a team mate this year full time in the 77. He also will have Kurt Busch in the 2.

Newman needs a great year this year. He has been in a slump that has been indirectly his fault.

It's so cool to see a reply from England. I grew up listening to Elton John,Beatles,Electric Light Orchestra,Ozzy......thank God for the British invasion!

Cheers!

[ballsofsteel]

NO

[Danno]

Yes

[HearUsRoar]

I like NASCAR. I'm a big Jr. fan. I was a big of his dad's as well. I'd say my second favorite driver is whoever p*sses off Jeff Gordon. Can not stand him. (But yes, JoeFlo, I admit he's a great driver)

[ballsofsteel]

Question for you nascar fans. How do you feel about Indy car racing? The only race I ever went to was an indy car race at MIS about 20 years ago. We had pit passes and that was pretty neat looking at those cars up close before the race. The actual race itself was boring.
Watching those cars go flying around the track. Seems like the only way it would be interesting if there was a wreck or something, but it shouldn't come down to a driver maybe losing his life for it to be entertaining. Sort like hockey, people are disappointed if there is no fighting. What exactly is the difference between nascar and indy car racing besides the fact the cars are different? What say You?

[Danno]

Well, that is the difference essentially. The cars. The cars have different fuels, aerodynamics, tires, etc.

Indy Car racing is essentially NASCAR with Formula 1 style vehicles: racing around oval tracks for the most part.

Formula 1 on the international circuit is very different because they do more road style tracks... Road style tracks being courses that take any shape, with any number of left, right, u turns.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

Question for you nascar fans. How do you feel about Indy car racing? The only race I ever went to was an indy car race at MIS about 20 years ago. We had pit passes and that was pretty neat looking at those cars up close before the race. The actual race itself was boring.
Watching those cars go flying around the track. Seems like the only way it would be interesting if there was a wreck or something, but it shouldn't come down to a driver maybe losing his life for it to be entertaining. Sort like hockey, people are disappointed if there is no fighting. What exactly is the difference between nascar and indy car racing besides the fact the cars are different? What say You?Avatar of Joey?

To best answer your question, I know on the on set that Nascar racing would appear to be very boring. What makes it interesting to many is getting the opportunity to meet there favorite driver because Nascar drivers are very accessible. I have known my driver since 2002 and he does remember me at Fan Day. Plus, there's pit stop strategies and the challenge of being able to balance the stock car for each individual driver. You have to adjust these stock cars all day long and avoid tire problems. There tires do not last long so if you blow a tire and wreck, your day is over! Same for the engines, if you blow one up or it falters, your race day is over too! Plus, by having a home computer, you can listen to the conversation between the driver and Crew Chief. It can be some what interesting?

The wrecks are only entertaining as long as no one gets hurt or "your" favorite driver! If it's your favorite driver, the race is over!

There is a BIG difference between Indy cars and a stock car but the end result is the same. To win the race!

Not all races are entertaining. Some can be a snoozer but over all, many of us like it for what ever reason?

[Bengal Dude]

I have found that many Indy Car oval races can be boring, I just can't get into them. I enjoy when they road race, but because of their Aero dependence, Indy cars can be taken out so easily. It baffles me when I read race results and I see that a driver is out because of "contact." In Nascar you'll see cars pretty much missing their front ends still out there trying to improve their position.

Other than the Indy 500, I believe that the Indy series is dying terribly. Many of their stars are leaving trying to get rides in Nascar. The supposed saviors for them tend to flop, like Danica Patrick. Sara Fisher returned and it was publicized, but she didn't do anything in her races. Indy seems to focus more on certain drivers hoping that they can carry the sport.

[Danno]

Well the Daytona is this weekend! Jr. is running hot in the duels, but who knows what that means in the real thing. Welcome back NASCAR... Finally something to fill my Sunday void (ok so what its only been a weekend or so).

[HearUsRoar]

Well the Daytona is this weekend! Jr. is running hot in the duels, but who knows what that means in the real thing. Welcome back NASCAR... Finally something to fill my Sunday void (ok so what its only been a weekend or so).

I'm happy it's here too. The timing is perfect. Here's to Jr. running hot all year and winning the Cup.

[zanetdaniels]

You know...I have never been into NASCAR, I just don't understand the sport I guess. I mean the sport is pretty easy to understand but all of the fine details are what really grabs a hold of people. However, I am inviting a bunch of people over to my place to watch the Daytona 500 so hopefully I will learn. I have a 42 inch HDTV and I hear the races look SWEET in HD. Hopefully this will be a learning experience for me. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should watch for, you know...some of the finer points I should know? Thanks....by the way, I picked the person I am going to root for because of the sweetness of his ride, I will be rooting for Denny Hamlin and the FedEx car. I know it is a stupid way to choose...but as I said, I have no idea what I am looking for.

[BengalBubbs81]

I have found that many Indy Car oval races can be boring, I just can't get into them. I enjoy when they road race, but because of their Aero dependence, Indy cars can be taken out so easily. It baffles me when I read race results and I see that a driver is out because of "contact." In Nascar you'll see cars pretty much missing their front ends still out there trying to improve their position.

Other than the Indy 500, I believe that the Indy series is dying terribly. Many of their stars are leaving trying to get rides in Nascar. The supposed saviors for them tend to flop, like Danica Patrick. Sara Fisher returned and it was publicized, but she didn't do anything in her races. Indy seems to focus more on certain drivers hoping that they can carry the sport.

Please. Open wheel racing on ovals is every bit as entertaining as NASCAR. I started watching NASCAR in like 1992 or 93. Over the years I have seen many drivers with a dominant car get in front & stay there most of the race. You would have to watch the cars fighting for places 6-10 to see some racing. BORING! I especially remember this back when Gordon & Evernham were at their peak. #24 would get in front & then you could take your nap. I have watched & attended CART/Indy oval races where there are plenty of lead changes especially in the final 10 laps. They came down to the final lap on turn 4 to see if the leader could hold on. Those cars are so light & so powerful they can sling shot from a draft & literally fly right past the leader.

You shouldnt be baffeld by cars being out from contact as they are actually racing not playing bumper cars like NASCAR. The object is to actually go fast without smashing into your competition. Open wheel race cars whether it be Champ Car, Indy, F1,etc are just that, race cars....that are designed to race not be family sedans in anytown USA. I know these days NASCARs are far from what you would find on the road but that is what they are modeled after.

American open wheel racing is dying a slow death over the last few years but it isnt because all of it's drivers are defecting to NASCAR. It's because of the division of the sport once good ole Tony George decided to create the IRL 10-12 years ago. If Champ Car & the IRL can't become one again our major open wheel series will eventually go under. Since the open wheel series are such a mess right now, drivers are going to NASCAR which is still stable, strong and LOTS of $$$$ not to mention you can still be competitive in NASCAR the older you get. There arent many 35-40 yr old drivers in the open wheel series.

[Danno]

You know...I have never been into NASCAR, I just don't understand the sport I guess. I mean the sport is pretty easy to understand but all of the fine details are what really grabs a hold of people. However, I am inviting a bunch of people over to my place to watch the Daytona 500 so hopefully I will learn. I have a 42 inch HDTV and I hear the races look SWEET in HD. Hopefully this will be a learning experience for me. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should watch for, you know...some of the finer points I should know? Thanks....by the way, I picked the person I am going to root for because of the sweetness of his ride, I will be rooting for Denny Hamlin and the FedEx car. I know it is a stupid way to choose...but as I said, I have no idea what I am looking for.


Well you have my only recommendation covered: Choose a driver to follow. The race is more interesting if you are watching for a specific driver...

Hope you enjoy :thumbsup:

[zanetdaniels]

Well you have my only recommendation covered: Choose a driver to follow. The race is more interesting if you are watching for a specific driver...

Hope you enjoy :thumbsup:

Thank you....I will certainly try to enjoy it. I need something to follow until Training Camp starts. I LOVE baseball and the Reds, but that can get boring watching them every night...especially the past couple of years.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

You know...I have never been into NASCAR, I just don't understand the sport I guess. I mean the sport is pretty easy to understand but all of the fine details are what really grabs a hold of people. However, I am inviting a bunch of people over to my place to watch the Daytona 500 so hopefully I will learn. I have a 42 inch HDTV and I hear the races look SWEET in HD. Hopefully this will be a learning experience for me. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should watch for, you know...some of the finer points I should know? Thanks....by the way, I picked the person I am going to root for because of the sweetness of his ride, I will be rooting for Denny Hamlin and the FedEx car. I know it is a stupid way to choose...but as I said, I have no idea what I am looking for.Seriously, I got into Nascar in 2002 because of all the years of Bengal boredom/gloom. In other words, they were not a good team!

I chose Ryan Newman(The Alltel 12 Dodge) because he is the most educated/intelligent driver in Nascar. Intelligence does help in driving but Newman's well documented "bad luck" has superseded his ability to win races. Ryan has had some of the worst luck I have seen to this date in which is a shame. He beat out Jimmie Johnson in 2002 for "Rookie Of The Year" and was "Driver Of The Year" in 2003 but the well ran dry when Dodge switched to the Dodge Charger in 2005 with a very turbulent front nose piece that NO team could get a balance on it!

Newman is far and away a better race car driver than the super over rated Dale Junior that inherited his dad's over 20 year racing career fan base. Junior has always been good at restrictor plate tracks but that's about it. Of course many will disagree with me only because Juniors fan base is so enormous. Budweisers super deep pockets of advertising money didn't hurt Juniors increased fan base either! Sorry, I got off base here.

Denny is good but aren't all the drivers? This new COT has all the race cars looking seemingly the same other than there sponsor paint schemes. Now it's a matter of who can cheat and get away with it and what's under the hood(as in horse power). The car nose pieces are a little different too. Plus, A LOT OF LUCK IN YOUR FAVOR!

[zanetdaniels]

Seriously, I got into Nascar in 2002 because of all the years of Bengal boredom/gloom. In other words, they were not a good team!

I chose Ryan Newman(The Alltel 12 Dodge) because he is the most educated/intelligent driver in Nascar. Intelligence does help in driving but Newman's well documented "bad luck" has superseded his ability to win races. Ryan has had some of the worst luck I have seen to this date in which is a shame. He beat out Jimmie Johnson in 2002 for "Rookie Of The Year" and was "Driver Of The Year" in 2003 but the well ran dry when Dodge switched to the Dodge Charger in 2005 with a very turbulent front nose piece that NO team could get a balance on it!

Newman is far and away a better race car driver than the super over rated Dale Junior that inherited his dad's over 20 year racing career fan base. Junior has always been good at restrictor plate tracks but that's about it. Of course many will disagree with me only because Juniors fan base is so enormous. Budweisers super deep pockets of advertising money didn't hurt Juniors increased fan base either! Sorry, I got off base here.

Denny is good but aren't all the drivers? This new COT has all the race cars looking seemingly the same other than there sponsor paint schemes. Now it's a matter of who can cheat and get away with it and what's under the hood(as in horse power). The car nose pieces are a little different too. Plus, A LOT OF LUCK IN YOUR FAVOR!

Which is exactly why I like Denny Hamlin....I love his car. Anyway, thank you for posting. I am looking forward to the race on Sunday. Not to mention the nice cold glass of Coors Light!

[SouthernStripes]

I have been a Nascar fan since the early 80s.

I really miss back in the day old school Nascar. :(

It just isnt the same anymore.

Im proud of how the once only southern known sport has grown into what it has.

I just hate how they are alienating its original fan base.


I miss going to North Wilkesboro Speedway 15 minutes from my house.

You used to be able to go into the infield and spend time with the drivers.
I remember meeting and getting autographs from Dale Sr , Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon when he was barely 20 years old , Rusty Wallace , to name a few.
Now the media is so involved and in the drivers face, the drivers stay locked in thier haulers to avoid the frenzy of fans and media.
Those were the days when you could walk through pit lane and the infield and see all the drivers or even knock on thier hauler door and go in and spend time with them.

I was really angry when they took a race away from Rockingham in favor of California.


But I am glad to see people learning to like the sport.


I dont particulary care for anyone who says Nascar is boring and anyone could do it.

The latter has to be one of the most ignorant statements anyone could make.


Try driving a 700+ horsepower car through turns banked @ 30+ degrees at speeds of 180+ mph.

It takes alot of skill and nerve to keep from slamming into the wall or taking everyone out with the slightest wrong move.

If so , everyone could be Richard Petty.

[bengalboy5]

All for NASCAR...really no one driver I root for, if I had to pick either Harvick or Stewart(along with the other real drivers, like Burton, Bowyer, prior to the switch Earnhardt, etc.). Completely against pretty boys, though(cough, 24 and 48, cough).

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I don't particularly care for anyone who says Nascar is boring and anyone could do it.

The latter has to be one of the most ignorant statements anyone could make.


Try driving a 700+ horsepower car through turns banked @ 30+ degrees at speeds of 180+ mph.

It takes alot of skill and nerve to keep from slamming into the wall or taking everyone out with the slightest wrong move.

If so , everyone could be Richard Petty.I know what your saying. If all you see is a bunch of cars going around in circles then look at how stupid football is! Just a bunch of guys beating the crap out of one another trying to get a football!

Nascar has been lumped in with the stereo typical tag of southern redneck's as it's total fan base, that is FAR from the truth! It may have started that way but now, Nascar has a melting pot of humanity watching it. People from all walks of life tune in on Sundays to see there favorite driver possibly win if........he doesn't wreck or get involved in some one else's wreck, blow a tire or any imaginable mechanical failure!(Example, my driver Ryan Newman from 2005-2007)

All the drivers are pretty good these days, it all boils down to equipment and having the fortunate luck in being able to finish the race on the lead lap!

[Clark W Griswold]

I actually have a couple of opinions on this subject ;)

I am a Gordon fan too (I knew I liked Joe for some reason). I used to watch it alot more but the Chase and the COT have really pushed me away from the sport (I also do not like the idea of Toyota either). I just think they are ruining the sport as shown by the declining ratings and attendance figures.

I do not understand why you need a "play off" in NASCAR? If all 32 NFL teams played against each other every week on the same field they would not need a play off either. That is what NA$CAR does - Just stupid IMO and you now can't compare drivers by championships. I felt this way from the get go NOT just because this system has cost the #24 two championships. He will probably never get to 7 titles but who knows how he would have done under the old system.

I am also getting a little tired of Jimmie Johnson. Never forget that Jeff Gordon made him into what he is today. His crew chief was a long time employee of the 24 team and he got all of Gordon's notes too. They also get to build their cars in the same shop. I hope Gordon kicks his butt this year because I am getting tired of hearing how great he is.

I do not like Newman because of his smug, arrogant attitude but that is just my opinion.
I live in CA but bringing a 2nd race here was a big mistake. They do not sell out any more and they took away some of the better tracks like North Wilkesboro to make room for the cookie-cutter tracks. I would still go to CA if they had built a replica of Martinsville or Bristol here.

I still have a bunch of my Gordon die casts, memoribilia etc but I do not collect any more just because I have lost interest. I will watch some of the major races but not all of them like I used to.

[DennyG2]

I will be watching the Daytona 500, and rooting for Earnhardt and Gordon. It will probably be the only race I watch this year:thumbsup:

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I do not like Newman because of his smug, arrogant attitude but that is just my opinion.

Wow, I have known Newman since 2001. Smug and arrogant, I have never ever heard anyone say that about him but hey, it's cool with me Clark! You are certainly entitled to your opinion.

This year will be Newman's "break out year" after years of bad luck. Can't wait!

[Clark W Griswold]

I can't say I know him or have ever met him I am just going by comments he has made on TV. He comes across to me (and others I know) as being that way.

But hey, I am a Gordon fan so I have heard plenty of negative stuff about him too.

[Bengal Dude]

I actually have a couple of opinions on this subject ;)

I am a Gordon fan too (I knew I liked Joe for some reason). I used to watch it alot more but the Chase and the COT have really pushed me away from the sport (I also do not like the idea of Toyota either). I just think they are ruining the sport as shown by the declining ratings and attendance figures.

I do not understand why you need a "play off" in NASCAR? If all 32 NFL teams played against each other every week on the same field they would not need a play off either. That is what NA$CAR does - Just stupid IMO and you now can't compare drivers by championships. I felt this way from the get go NOT just because this system has cost the #24 two championships. He will probably never get to 7 titles but who knows how he would have done under the old system.

I am also getting a little tired of Jimmie Johnson. Never forget that Jeff Gordon made him into what he is today. His crew chief was a long time employee of the 24 team and he got all of Gordon's notes too. They also get to build their cars in the same shop. I hope Gordon kicks his butt this year because I am getting tired of hearing how great he is.

I do not like Newman because of his smug, arrogant attitude but that is just my opinion.
I live in CA but bringing a 2nd race here was a big mistake. They do not sell out any more and they took away some of the better tracks like North Wilkesboro to make room for the cookie-cutter tracks. I would still go to CA if they had built a replica of Martinsville or Bristol here.

I still have a bunch of my Gordon die casts, memoribilia etc but I do not collect any more just because I have lost interest. I will watch some of the major races but not all of them like I used to.

I'm more along these lines. I became a fan in 1997 and now I'm just not into it as much. I'm a Ricky Rudd fan and with him retired, my interest grows thinner and thinner. We're seeing more of the vets getting pushed out by the young guns who take more stupid risks and ruin a lot of peoples' chances. I hate seeing some of these "modern" tracks getting more races while the good ol' tracks get ignored. Darlington just doesn't seem to be the same anymore since they moved it to one race a year.

NASCAR is getting so Hollywood, but now it seems that Hollywood is getting tired of the sport. California doesn't sell out anymore and like mentioned above, the ratings are going down. Now we're seeing the influx non-Nascar type drivers come into the sport and water down the fan base. JPM isn't a fan favorite because he thinks that you can hit whoever you want and get away with it.

It's sad, but Nascar has pretty much hurt themselves by forgetting the original fans.

[whoodeybaby]

Wow, I have known Newman since 2001. Smug and arrogant, I have never ever heard anyone say that about him but hey, it's cool with me Clark! You are certainly entitled to your opinion.

This year will be Newman's "break out year" after years of bad luck. Can't wait!

CONGRATS BENGAL BOB!!! Newman gets the first 500 win for penske and starts out the season on the right foot.

[Clark W Griswold]

I watched the race and when Newman won I thought about Bengal Bob.

See, as soon as I bad mouth somebody they shut me up!

[Bengal Bob Old School]

CONGRATS BENGAL BOB!!! Newman gets the first 500 win for penske and starts out the season on the right foot.Thanks!

Didn't see that coming but what a way to get the year started! That was Ryan's first win since 2005. It's been a very frustrating wait. So much bad luck.

Lot's of Newman's family was there except his mother Diane who still lives in South Bend Indiana. Greg, Ryan's father lives in South Bend as well but is Ryan's spotter.

As a matter of fact, I was given a card and lots of radio on air praise by my ESPN 1410 AM Radio friends. They do a live Nascar show from Frickers Moraine Ohio every Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. They bought my lunch too! We talk Bengal's on occassion.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I watched the race and when Newman won I thought about Bengal Bob.

See, as soon as I bad mouth somebody they shut me up!Maybe seeing Ryan's reactions after this win may change your mind?

Only kidding, you are entitled to your own opinion. Trust me, I speak my mind 24/7!

Hope you enjoyed the race, I know I did!

[Clark W Griswold]

Maybe seeing Ryan's reactions after this win may change your mind?

Only kidding, you are entitled to your own opinion. Trust me, I speak my mind 24/7!

Hope you enjoyed the race, I know I did!

Yes it was a good race.

I hope it does not rain here tomorrow because I am going to the race at California (or Auto Club) Speedway. My friend got us some tickets (free! :Clap:) so I hope it is another close finish.

[Danno]

Man, lame yesterday. only 80 some laps and then they finish today while I am at work unable to watch. Hey at least my boy, Truex, finished 5th!

[HearUsRoar]

My boy finished 40th today (Jr.)

Partly because yesterday the track was in no condition to be raced on and partly because Casey Mears can't control his car and wrecked Jr. I know I just got done saying the track was in no condition to race on and should take it easy on Mears but no one else seemed to be so loose they couldn't control their car. On top of that Mears did something similar last week and came close to doing the same thing to Tony Stewart and Jr. but they were able to stop in time.

If you can't control your car get off the track, Mears.

[Danno]

Dude in that wreck, i was SOOOOO worried that Jr. was going to take out Truex on his return across the track. He got so close! I was like, "oh god, move! move! MOVE!!"

hahaha

[HearUsRoar]

Dude in that wreck, i was SOOOOO worried that Jr. was going to take out Truex on his return across the track. He got so close! I was like, "oh god, move! move! MOVE!!"

hahaha

That would have been even worse because I like Truex too but I was furious regardless. I would give Casey the benefit of the doubt had he not done an ignorant move last week that could have easily cost Tony Stewart and Jr. to wreck had they not been quick on the brakes.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

My driver came in 10Th. So far he's second in the standings!

Dodge still needs to get that NEW engine out there under the hoods as fast as possible!

[SouthernStripes]

My boy finished 40th today (Jr.)

Partly because yesterday the track was in no condition to be raced on and partly because Casey Mears can't control his car and wrecked Jr. I know I just got done saying the track was in no condition to race on and should take it easy on Mears but no one else seemed to be so loose they couldn't control their car. On top of that Mears did something similar last week and came close to doing the same thing to Tony Stewart and Jr. but they were able to stop in time.

If you can't control your car get off the track, Mears.

I didnt get to see it.

Where did Tony finish ?

[HearUsRoar]

I didnt get to see it.

Where did Tony finish ?

7th I believe. I'm not a Stewart fan but I'm not a Stewart hater either, which is unusual because most Nascar fans are one or the other with that guy. I don't necessarilly like who he drives for but at the same time anyone that gets under Jeff Gordon's skin is fine in my book. :thumbsup:

[SouthernStripes]

7th I believe. I'm not a Stewart fan but I'm not a Stewart hater either, which is unusual because most Nascar fans are one or the other with that guy. I don't necessarilly like who he drives for but at the same time anyone that gets under Jeff Gordon's skin is fine in my book. :thumbsup:


Cool.

Thanks. :thumbsup:

Not too bad.

I hate that track.

They need to bring back The Rock and fix the Labor Day race back to Darlington.

2 races @ Cali is BORING.


Tony reminds me of the old school drivers.
I think thats why I choose him after my guys died and retired. Rusty W., Davey A. , Allan K.


He drives hard , tells you what he thinks and doesnt care what you think. B)
And he will throw a punch and get in your face when needed.

[Bengal Dude]

Cool.

Thanks. :thumbsup:

Not too bad.

I hate that track.

They need to bring back The Rock and fix the Labor Day race back to Darlington.

2 races @ Cali is BORING.


Tony reminds me of the old school drivers.
I think thats why I choose him after my guys died and retired. Rusty W., Davey A. , Allan K.


He drives hard , tells you what he thinks and doesnt care what you think. B)
And he will throw a punch and get in your face when needed.

I agree, one race at Fontana is enough. We need one of those old North Carolina tracks back. We need the Rock.

[SouthernStripes]

I agree, one race at Fontana is enough. We need one of those old North Carolina tracks back. We need the Rock.

Yeah.

I dont care for tracks like Cali , Michigan , etc.

One race there is ENOUGH.

Vegas is better than Cali anyway.

The fad is over in Hollywood , so move it back HOME.

You know the fanbase is here Nascar.



Help us bring it back, check this out :

Only 15 minutes from here.

http://www.savethespeedway.net/ (http://www.savethespeedway.net/)

[cinc4ever1]

Any Bobby Labonte fans around.That my driver i wasn't happy to see him land in 25th place today after 11th last week.

[Bengal Dude]

Any Bobby Labonte fans around.That my driver i wasn't happy to see him land in 25th place today after 11th last week.

Always glad to see fans of the vets that seem to be forgotten. I still think Bobby can bring home a won for the Pettys before the year is over with. Latest rumors with Labonte have him possibly joining RCR in a 4th car next season.

[SouthernStripes]

Any Bobby Labonte fans around.That my driver i wasn't happy to see him land in 25th place today after 11th last week.


I always liked Bobby. I have his autograph as well.

Really good guy; His brother , Terry is one of the most underrated drivers of all-time.

I pull for Bobby even more so now that he races for Richard Petty.

[Bengal Dude]

Well Southern, Tony may not have won the Cup race, but he took the Busch race.

[Danno]

Let's go racin! Its Hotlanta! Wooo!

my boy truex is 3rd, which means he may finish top 10? haha, who cares! HOTLANTA!

[Metalhead]

Denny Hamlin is starting 22nd...watch your ***es

GO 11!

[Bengal Bob Old School]

My driver "2008 Daytona 500 Champion" will be going out 12TH!

Be afraid, very afraid!

[Danno]

Way to go Rowdy Busch! He has been tearing it up this year. Running hot in pretty much all races. Me thinks he's an early favorite (ignoring points) for the cup?

[Bengal Bob Old School]

Yea Danno,

My driver has had two back to back rough racing weeks. Two weeks ago, bad shocks. This past race, Pablo runs into Ryan and cuts his tire while he was in the 5TH position, had to pit and loose a lap. Never got the "lucky dog" but was in position. It's this kind of crap that has hurt him for two straight years!

Still 4TH in points!

[HearUsRoar]

Way to go Rowdy Busch! He has been tearing it up this year. Running hot in pretty much all races. Me thinks he's an early favorite (ignoring points) for the cup?

He should be an early favorite. From week to week he seems to have the overall best car.

My boy Jr. is holding strong in 6th and if not for Casey Mears not knowing how to drive when it's the slightest bit wet, he's be even higher, but hey, such is life.

[Magikod]

I'm not a big Nascar fan.

[Bengal Bob Old School]

I'm not a big Nascar fan.Judge, your 16 and like Jim Morrison? Come on, you have to be much older than that?

It's cool if you don't like Nascar. I didn't like it till I was 42. I will be 48 Monday and there still are some races that can be a bit boring to watch........until our Bengal's hit the field.

[Danno]

Yea Danno,

My driver has had two back to back rough racing weeks. Two weeks ago, bad shocks. This past race, Pablo runs into Ryan and cuts his tire while he was in the 5TH position, had to pit and loose a lap. Never got the "lucky dog" but was in position. It's this kind of crap that has hurt him for two straight years!

Still 4TH in points!


Juan Pablo taking people out!? Noo..... :lol:

[Bengal Dude]

Juan Pablo taking people out!? Noo..... :lol:

I know Danno, I was shocked when I heard that as well. :rotf: