pandr
05-29-2011, 12:48 PM
Raceday: If it has a blue oval ...
By Jim Utter - charlotteobserver
Saturday, May. 28, 2011
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Keep an eye on all drivers connected to Roush Fenway Racing. Those Ford drivers won at Las Vegas, Texas and at Charlotte last weekend in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
2. Kurt Busch won the all-star race and Coca-Cola 600 last season, but Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski seems to have a better shot in Sunday's race. Keselowski starts from the pole.
3. David Reutimann holds the record for the fewest laps led by a winner in the Coca-Cola 600 (five in his 2009 win). Could he do it again? He was third in the all-star race and qualified seventh.
OBSERVATIONS
How would you have done it?
I have been among the harshest critics of Kyle Busch’s behavior since he was caught going 128 mph in a 45-mph zone while driving a sports car in Iredell County.
But the criticism of his performance in front of the media on Thursday is completely unwarranted. It’s been billed as not “off the cuff” and “well-prepared.”
You know what? Anyone in Busch's position – facing serious consequences in a court case – would have done it the same way, likely on the advice of attorneys.
Then again, maybe they wouldn't. Most of us wouldn't be thrown in front of the media to answer questions about out behavior.
Screen adds another dimension
There’s no doubt that the giant HD screen has transformed the way many fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway watch the race. It will be interesting to see how ticket buyers alter their seating options in the coming years because of the addition.
The section with the worst view of the screen also has the cheapest tickets, so it’s likely to still attract many fans. The screen is something I would definitely want to be able to enjoy were I sitting in the stands.
Don't mess with this distance
If NASCAR were to shorten more Cup races, the 600 should remain as it is.
It is really the only remaining endurance test of driver and car left in the series. In NASCAR's early days, race lengths played a large role in determining winners, because they had to have equipment to last.
Today, barring accidents or electing to “start and park,” finishing the race is much more common.
JUST THE FACTS
Coca-Cola 600
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.
Track type: 1.5-mile banked, paved quad-oval.
Race distance: 400 laps or 600 miles.
When: Green flag is 6:22 p.m.
Weather: Partly cloudy with daytime high in the upper 80s and nighttime low just under 70 degrees.
TV: Coverage begins at 6 p.m. on Fox.
Radio: Performance Racing Network.
PICKS
JIM UTTER
He’s very familiar with Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway (three Cup wins) and seems to be getting into the groove with his new Red Bull Racing team.
Winner: Kasey Kahne.
BOB HENRY
What do the teams of Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth have that this Roush Fenway troupe doesn’t? The No. 16 team has too much talent to be playing these supporting roles. And the spotlight beckons on one of racing’s grandest stages.
Winner: Greg Biffle.
C/P Thats Racin
By Jim Utter - charlotteobserver
Saturday, May. 28, 2011
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Keep an eye on all drivers connected to Roush Fenway Racing. Those Ford drivers won at Las Vegas, Texas and at Charlotte last weekend in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
2. Kurt Busch won the all-star race and Coca-Cola 600 last season, but Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski seems to have a better shot in Sunday's race. Keselowski starts from the pole.
3. David Reutimann holds the record for the fewest laps led by a winner in the Coca-Cola 600 (five in his 2009 win). Could he do it again? He was third in the all-star race and qualified seventh.
OBSERVATIONS
How would you have done it?
I have been among the harshest critics of Kyle Busch’s behavior since he was caught going 128 mph in a 45-mph zone while driving a sports car in Iredell County.
But the criticism of his performance in front of the media on Thursday is completely unwarranted. It’s been billed as not “off the cuff” and “well-prepared.”
You know what? Anyone in Busch's position – facing serious consequences in a court case – would have done it the same way, likely on the advice of attorneys.
Then again, maybe they wouldn't. Most of us wouldn't be thrown in front of the media to answer questions about out behavior.
Screen adds another dimension
There’s no doubt that the giant HD screen has transformed the way many fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway watch the race. It will be interesting to see how ticket buyers alter their seating options in the coming years because of the addition.
The section with the worst view of the screen also has the cheapest tickets, so it’s likely to still attract many fans. The screen is something I would definitely want to be able to enjoy were I sitting in the stands.
Don't mess with this distance
If NASCAR were to shorten more Cup races, the 600 should remain as it is.
It is really the only remaining endurance test of driver and car left in the series. In NASCAR's early days, race lengths played a large role in determining winners, because they had to have equipment to last.
Today, barring accidents or electing to “start and park,” finishing the race is much more common.
JUST THE FACTS
Coca-Cola 600
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.
Track type: 1.5-mile banked, paved quad-oval.
Race distance: 400 laps or 600 miles.
When: Green flag is 6:22 p.m.
Weather: Partly cloudy with daytime high in the upper 80s and nighttime low just under 70 degrees.
TV: Coverage begins at 6 p.m. on Fox.
Radio: Performance Racing Network.
PICKS
JIM UTTER
He’s very familiar with Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway (three Cup wins) and seems to be getting into the groove with his new Red Bull Racing team.
Winner: Kasey Kahne.
BOB HENRY
What do the teams of Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth have that this Roush Fenway troupe doesn’t? The No. 16 team has too much talent to be playing these supporting roles. And the spotlight beckons on one of racing’s grandest stages.
Winner: Greg Biffle.
C/P Thats Racin