NASCAR news

[Spike]

Martin Truex Jr might be looking for a new ride next year https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/08/17/martin-truex-jr-on-his-uncertain-future-im-starting-to-hear-rumors/

This just goes to show how far Nascar has fallen the past few years if a championship team can't find a main sponsor. Ratings keep falling to a new low with every race and the empty seats at the tracks is hard to miss.

[Garrett Duke]

On ‎7‎/‎23‎/‎2018 at 7:29 PM, RogerDuke said:

Thanks for the update Garrett. It is always good to hear from you. 

Thanks Roger. Time is limited so I barely get on my computer any more. Tried HNet earlier and it wouldn't let me on..

NASCAR seems to be going through a rough transition where drivers are retiring and sponsorship is a problem. Hard to imagine Martin Truex Jr would be looking for a ride after last year and this year...then again it's hard to believe that Jimmie Johnson has made it this far into the season without a win. Or really competed for the win for that matter. But then again, this year seems to be all about Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex Jr. 

They are racing at Bristol tomorrow night...my favorite track. My favorite race. Night racing at Bristol. Hoping to see that 48 in Victory Lane...or at least close to it. He needs points. LOL.  

[RogerDuke]

As always....good to hear from you Garrett....GO CHASE ELLIOTT!!!

[Spike]

This could be Huge if it's true https://twitter.com/A_S12/status/1032681406206566400 

Quote

@FRRacingTeam is discussing a possible deal with @GMSRacingLLC that would see Barney Visser sell FRR's assets to GMS, who would continue running the 78 as is, per sources.

Also New rules for Xfinity & the Truck series https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/08/23/new-rules-for-xfinity-truck-series-and-2019-dash-4-cash-program-announced/

And Bankruptcy judge approves BKRacing Charter & Assets sale to Front Row Racing https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/08/23/bankruptcy-judge-approves-sale-of-bk-racing-to-front-row-motorsports/

Edited August 24, 2018 by Spike

[Garrett Duke]

On ‎8‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 10:52 PM, RogerDuke said:

As always....good to hear from you Garrett....GO CHASE ELLIOTT!!!

Thank you Roger. Sadly I missed Chase Elliott's win, but I was so excited for him. Also missed Bristol last week...but did see that a fan tried getting into a fight with Kyle Busch. He was riding his golf cart to his hauler. He had stopped to sign a fan's autograph. Then got back on when another fan grabbed him or hit him in the chest. He got off and the security guards separated them. Saw the video of it and it just upsets me. The fans surrounding them and the one taking the video was cussing him out, booing him. Cheering on that fan that attacked him. I get that everyone has that one driver or more that they don't like or can't stand. I even get that Kyle Busch can rub fans the wrong way. For the longest time I couldn't stand watching him win and he irritated me with how drove and acted...but also am the first one to admit that he has changed and matured since he got married. Also am the first one to say, whether you love him or hate him, you got to respect and acknowledge his talent on the track and how he can win at any track and anything with a steering wheel. I also remember at a driver introduction a few years back where they introduced him and all the fans booed him...he didn't even do anything other than step onto the stage! As I said, I know that fans seem to always have a driver or two that they don't like (I even have my own...) but I don't agree with the booing him and definitely not attacking him like that. NASCAR is probably the one sport that allows fans down with the drivers (athletes) and fans like that is going to be the ones who will ruin that for everyone else. Not that, that will ever effect me, because I don't for see a NASCAR race in my future sadly, but still frustrating...

A lot of this is my opinion. Feel free to disregard it. I am not a Kyle Busch fan, but also have to respect his talent and what he can do on the track. 

My two cents...for how little it is worth.  

[Spike]

Furniture Row Racing to cease operations after 2018 season https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/04/furniture-row-racing-to-cease-operations-after-2018-season/ If this doesn't send a clear message to Nascar execs nothing will. So sad for Martin Truex jr, Cole Pearn and the whole team. I hope a good owner can step up and buy the team outright, personnel and all.

 

Was great to see the retro black and gold Deuce win Darlington Saturday night .

[RogerDuke]

The only way to fix all the problems in NASCAR is to put Spike and Garrett in charge of it. 

[Spike]

Well according to Autoweek there are no Nascar races on NBC till Seprtember 30th, then only two in October and the final two in November. You'd think they would at least throw the final regular season race which is Indy this weekend on NBC. Beginning to think there won't be any Nascar races on Fox or NBC next year just on their sports channels.

[HossC]

A few years ago, one of the UK sports channels got the rights to show all the F1 races live, but we still had half of the races live on a free-to-air channel with highlights of the others. From next year, there will be no live races on free-to-air TV, but it looks like the current provider will still get to show the highlights of each race. The deal was done by the previous F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, but new owners, Liberty Media, don't seem to be able to change it. In the meantime, TV audiences continue to fall. It's almost like there's some sort of connection!

[Spike]

Yeah I don't know how they expect to keep/get new fans when they allow broadcasters to put the races on channels not available to everyone. 

 

Jamie McMurray out of the #1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevy for 2019 Season https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/10/report-chip-ganassi-racings-no-1-cup-car-open-for-next-year/

 

Brad Keselowski wins today rain delayed Brickyard 400, first one for Penske Racing.

[Spike]

Trevor Bayne out of the #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford for 2019 season https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/12/jack-roush-confirms-trevor-bayne-out-of-no-6-in-2019/

https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/14/trevor-bayne-faces-uncertain-future-as-he-looks-for-a-ride/

I would not be surprised to see Matt Kenseth in that car next year considering in only 10 races he's bettered Bayne's finishing average in 16 races. It was great to see him have a great run @ Indy and even collect a stage win.

[RogerDuke]

I see my fave... Chase Elliott...has a new commercial. It's for Mountain Dew. At least I think it's new...I just saw it for the first time yesterday. This kid will end up being the new face of NASCAR. 

[HossC]

Is this the one, Roger? It was only uploaded about four weeks ago.
 

 

[RogerDuke]

I think so. I'll pay more attention next time. 

[Spike]

Ryan Newman out of the #31 RCR Chevy for 2019 https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/15/ryan-newman-will-not-return-to-richard-childress-racing-in-2019/  https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/16/rcr-says-ryan-newman-was-released-from-contract-last-month/This opens the door for Austin Dillon's brother Ty to join him @ Granddaddy's team.

SHR still searching for a driver of the #41 for 2019 https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/16/shr-owner-gene-haas-says-no-driver-has-intrigued-us-enough-to-sign-yet/

Brad Keselowski's 3rd win in a row in Vegas gave Team Penske it's 500th motorsports victory https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/16/brad-keselowski-captures-team-penskes-500th-win-in-motorsports/

Vegas race has made the Playoffs interesting to say the least... Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Erik Jones, Chase Elliot and Denny Hamlin were involved in wrecks that ended their race while a handful of others hit the wall in the closing laps.

[Spike]

Rumors say Ryan Newman is going to be driving the Roush Fenway Racing #6 Ford next season https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/21/reports-ryan-newman-headed-to-drive-no-6-for-roush-fenway/

[Spike]

It's official Ryan Newman is taking the wheel of the #6 RFR Ford next season. https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/22/ryan-newman-joins-roush-fenway-racing-for-2019/

Matt Kenseth turned down driving the #6 for a full season so that opened the seat up to Ryan Newman. https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/22/matt-kenseth-feels-comfortable-with-his-future-beyond-this-season/

Looks like the rumors of Daniel Suarez losing the seat to the #19 are true https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/23/silly-season-daniel-suarez-could-hold-key-to-what-happens-next/

[RogerDuke]

Thanks for all the updates Spike. They are always appreciated!

[HossC]

4 minutes ago, RogerDuke said:

Thanks for all the updates Spike. They are always appreciated!

I agree, Spike. I haven't had time to follow NASCAR properly this year, so your posts keep me informed of all the changes going on. Keep up the good work .

[Spike]

Thanks guys. 

AJ Allmendinger out of the #47 JTG Daugherty Chevy at the end of the season https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/25/aj-allmendinger-out-at-jtg-daugherty-racing-after-2018/ Rumors have Ryan Preece taking the seat for 2019. 

Although The #31 RCR seat is open Ty Dillon will stay in the #13 Germain racing Chevy for 2019 https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/24/ty-dillon-says-he-will-remain-with-germain-racing-after-this-season/

This is one of the craziest Nascar silly seasons if not the craziest one ever.

Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski are thru to the next playoff round with each of their wins the past 2 weekends it will be interesting to see who will win the Charlotte Roval race this Sunday which will air on NBC @2PM eastern.

[RogerDuke]

Hmmm, never heard of Ryan Preece. Has he been around awhile?

[Spike]

I know he ran well in a few Xfinity races but other than that I don't know much about his career. 

Official Ryan Preece to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty Chevy https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/28/ryan-preece-signs-with-jtg-daugherty-to-drive-in-cup-in-2019/

Daniel Hemric to drive the RCR #31 Chevy for 2019 https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2018/09/28/daniel-hemric-to-drive-in-cup-in-2019-for-richard-childress-racing/

[Spike]

Here's the new rule packages for 2019  https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/10/02/2019-rules-packages-announced-monster-energy-series/

https://www.nascar.media/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/10/newIMC_2019RulesUpdate_Infographic-Toyota.jpg

Quote

The baseline aero elements of the 2019 rules package are a taller 8-inch by 61-inch rear spoiler, a larger front splitter with a 2-inch overhang, and a wider radiator pan that measures 37 inches wide in the front tapering to 31 inches at the rear. Those base changes will be in place at every race next season with the intent of adding downforce to stabilize handling, a break from a trend of downforce reduction from 2015-18.

Beyond the baseline components are the smaller tapered spacer (.922-inch versus the current 1.17-inch) and aerodynamic ducts to be used at select oval tracks larger than 1 mile. The smaller spacer will further limit airflow through the engine and thereby horsepower to a figure around 550, down from the current 750.

• The previously announced enhanced vehicle chassis (EVC) will be mandatory at all races.

• NASCAR has reduced the amount of organizational tests for the calendar year from four to three. Additionally, Goodyear tire tests in 2019 will be conducted by three teams, down from the current four.

• NASCAR will expand the use of sealed engines next season, increasing to three long block seals in addition to keeping the current 13-race short block seal requirement.

Wonder if Nascar will even be worth watching next year.

[HossC]

Spike, as I said above, I haven't had time to follow NASCAR this season, and this week I just checked out a couple clips of Sunday's race. It led me to wonder what you thought of the Charlotte Road Course.

Oval racing isn't that big over here, so I'm used to watching pretty much all track-based motor racing on what you'd call road courses (F1 courses are generally just known as tracks/circuits, with the exception of street circuits which used closed-off streets). When F1 was briefly at Indianapolis (2000-2007), they used an infield course in conjunction with about a mile of the oval (run in reverse). Rockingham is the only speedway in the UK (there are apparently only two in Europe), and the only racing series that I follow that uses Rockingham is British Touring Cars (BTCC), and they use its road course.

[Spike]

I loved that race. In my opinion Nascar could use a few more road course races and less 1.5 mile oval races. Reportedly Nascar will use the full Sonoma road course next year instead of the short course so that will be interesting to see how they handle the carousel turn.