It bytes: NASCAR.com

I’ve read a lot on the web in the last few days, in reference to the new NASCAR.com website. Many users are now expressing how they simply do not like the new look of NASCAR.com. Since my recent visit to RacingOne.com, I decided to blog about it.

I personally have a 50/50 split on NASCAR.com’s new look. Am I glad that NASCAR did some changes to it’s look…yes. But, I think that NASCAR.com’s new look is simply too flashy, and lacks the simple navagition in it’s former design. As before, each page is cluttered with too much information. I think they went too far with the whole Web 2.0 concept. I’m not finding any particular features that use Ajax programing, and if there is any please let me know.

NASCAR is also charging it’s users monthly fees to use special features, for example the NASCAR Members Club. With all the money NASCAR has you would think they would consult it’s users first. I think NASCAR should allow all it’s user access to it’s website free of charge, wouldn’t you agree?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Jayski needs a new look

Jayski.com is a great website for NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch & Craftsman Truck Series news and rumors. Many of it’s rumors turn out to be correct, which I’m a daily visitor of Jayski and have been for the past few years.

Even though I love the information on Jayski, I hate the look of the site. I wish that Jayski would change his website, and post information possibly in a blog format, which would allow his users to comment on each story. I think it would open the door for Jayski to become a ‘community’ for NASCAR fans.

I know he’s making a lot of money each month off advertisers, so I know he can afford to to change the website. Come on Jayski, what do you say to a new look???

Michael Waltrip Cheating Scandal

Where do I even begin? You’ll notice that I’ve written about Michael Waltrip & Michael Waltrip Racing twice, since I started this blog last year. The hype about Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) coming into NASCAR, with Toyota joined at the hip was a big media deal.

Then came the Michael Waltrip vs Peter Windsor debate, which Michael Waltrip made a complete idot of himself and Toyota. Now that the Daytona 500 is nearing this weekend, Michael Waltrip and team have been caught in one of NASCAR’s biggest cheating scandals.

NASCAR inspectors discovered a substance inside of Michael Waltrip’s No. 55 Toyota Camry’s manifold. What did they find? Well, is something to the near of Jet Fuel. Basically put, the more octane they run in the fuel, the more horsepower the engine will generate, while the engine runs cleaner.

Now why would Michael Waltrip need this? Hmm, could it be that the Toyota Camry is not the fastest of race cars on the field?…YES!! Could it be that Michael Waltrip is cheating trying to make Toyota a winning name in NEXTEL Cup Series competition?…. YOU Betcha!!

 Within 48hrs of being caught by NASCAR. Michael Waltrip fired Crew Cheif Larry (David) Hyder.

Let’s analyse some of Michael Waltrip’s statements in reference to this cheating scandal:

MICHAEL: “This was an independent act done without consent or authorization from me or any of my executive management team.” 

My Interpretation: Michael Waltrip (Yes I knew about it. It was something we strongly considered, but to protect my (Michael Waltrip’s) butt, I took the ”If I didn’t see it, I didn’t know it happend approach.”

MICHAEL: “I respect NASCAR’s rules, its people and the sport’s integrity, which is why I am so sad and embarrassed.”

My take: Michael, what’s there to be embarrassed about, if YOU did nothing wrong?

LETS SUM  THIS THING UP:
Michael Waltrip knew about it. He took a chance, and got caught. Personally I think that the Owner should also be suspended in these instances. Which in this case, would kick Michael Waltrip out of the Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip is now using Larry (David) Hyder as his escape goat because he’s not man enough to just say that he (Michael Waltrip) got caught.

Toyota is feeling the heat of this as well, issuing their own statement. I hope that Toyota pulls their involvment (which is allowing Michael Waltrip to pocket MILLIONS of dollars of sponsorship  from his sponsors) since Toyota provides a lot of assistance to the Michael Waltrip Racing team, as well as the other Toyota Teams.

I hope that Toyota pulls out of MWR, leaving MWR to cheat themeselves.

The Debate: Michael Waltrip vs Peter Windsor

I found the debate between Michael Waltrip and Peter Windsor, on SPEED TV’s episode of Tradin’ Paint to be very interesting. Some strong viewpoints by both people. I’m both a huge Formula 1 & NASCAR fan, but did find Michael Waltrip to be the WRONG person to debate whether/what/how on the issue of “Which is better, Formula 1 or NASCAR?”

I do enjoy that NASCAR is about the driver, as well as Formula 1 being about the teams. I love Forumla 1 for the technology, but I love NASCAR for the stiff feild of competition.

I found some of Peter Windsor’s views/points were in more of a “What NASCAR should do” format, but Michael Waltrip did not counter very well. For Michale Waltrip to say the reason we don’t turn right is because “were not that smart” (just one of his dumb phrases he used) is just b.s., for once Michael Waltrip should’ve threw away his comedian act, and been stronger in this debate.

I’m not too sure that John Roberts saw this debate coming on his show, which he could’ve been a better mediator between the two. I’d love to see a more formal debate (ex: Mike Joy vs Peter Windsor).

Post Race: Harvick vs Riggs team (Updated)

After the race at Texas, a altercation occured between Kevin Harvick and the #10 team of Scott Riggs. The information being given is still vague, BUT so far we’re hearing that Kevin Harvick and his wife Delana Harvick were both pushed to the ground, with Delana being clipped by a Crash Cart somewhere during the incident.

Update #1: Also hearing a NASCAR Official was injuried, when the Crash Cart that clipped Delana Harvick ran over the Officials foot (possible ankle injury). Both team owners, drivers, crew chiefs and other involved have been called to the NASCAR trailer.

 My Opinion: From looking at the video, Harvick did get the #10 aero-loose, but while Riggs was trying to save the car, Harvick made contact with him which lead to Scott Riggs crashing hard into the wall.

You would think NASCAR saw this fight coming. The teams should let the drivers settle the issue. Unsure why Delana was pushed, but shouldn’t matter, she should have never been pushed. (Can’t wait to see what penalty those involved will have to pay. NASCAR is investigating the issue.)

Update #2:
NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Scott Riggs’ front tire carrier, Craig “C.C.” Curione, along with a $10,000 fine, for the post-race altercation at Texas Motor Speedway. Craig Curione was identified as the crew member, who shoved Kevin Harvick from behind, which lead to he and his wife DeLana falling to the ground.

NASCAR official, John Sacco, also fell and landed in front of a crash cart, which the cart then hit Sacco, leaving him with a sprained ankle. Kevin Harvick and Delana Harvick were not hurt. 

My Opinion:
The man (Craig “C.C.” Curione) got what he deserved. Enough said.

Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation says NASCAR

If E=mc², then Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation …says NASCAR!

The results of the two-day investigation convinced NASCAR that Robby Gordon did throw a piece of padding onto the track at Atlanta, and officials issued a harsh penalty to discourage other drivers from doing the same thing in the future.  

NASCAR reviewed NBC’s coverage from Sunday’s Atlanta race to determine if Gordon in fact threw debris onto the track. The footage provided two clear angles, and officials followed up with a re-inspection of Gordon’s car.

Penalties Issued by NASCAR:

• Robby Gordon fined $15,000, 50 drivers points & 50 owner points. (Why? Robby Gordon violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-N (intentionally causing a caution condition during the race) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Greg Erwin (Robby Gordon’s Crew Chief) has been fined $10,000 due to violations of Sections 12-A and 12-4-N – and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her driver, car owner and team members) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Both Robby Gordon & Greg Erwin have been placed on probation by NASCAR until December 31,2006.

I have to give a lot of credit to Jeff Burton, for a man to get that mad and not use foul language once, is very respectful. But it would’ve made a unique showing if he dropped the f’ bomb about it, but that would also meant more fines issued.

Robby Gordon received what he deserved, as far as NASCAR’s penalty goes. NASCAR will now, more than likely, monitor and chart all roll bar padding inside these cars now.

But Robby Gordon isn’t the first driver to throw debris, or cause his own caution. Robby Gordon has simply been made the poster-boy of this issue, hopefully it’ll make drivers think otherwise. Am I fan of Robby Gordon? No, and will never be (Just don’t like the guy).

Robby Gordon’s team would not admit guilt in this situation. Of course, Robby Gordon’s team is going to appeal NASCAR’s decision. If they didn’t, they would admit their guilt

Does the fine effect the team? No. Does the points effect the team? Yes.

NASCAR should focus more on taking away points when it comes to penalties. For any NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team, who spends $10-20 million/year to compete, $15,000 is nothing to them. If NASCAR starts issuing larger points penalties, you’ll see some things start to change.

A Dream: NASCAR on dirt

I know it may not happen for several long years, but I know that many race fans across the country would like to see a NASCAR event (Truck, Busch or Cup) on dirt. I know I would.

The crowd this kind of event could draw would be huge!!

Makes you wonder what driver ( old, new or never before seen ) would win the event. Of course, building or locating a venue that could handle the teams & fans would be interesting, but could be done ( Bristol did it! ).

Just thinking about this will cause me some insomnia for a few nights.

The Question: Can Montoya survive in NASCAR?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that he lacks talent, but when your a successful open wheel driver, who was competitive in the Indy Racing League and Formula 1, it leaves me to question how he will do in NASCAR.

Money & Engineering:
NASCAR teams don’t have the luxury of spending the $100 million + that the Formula 1 teams spend every year. Yes, NASCAR is becoming a strong series based upon engineering, but it is nowhere near the level that Formula 1 has reached.

Seem like the majority of Formula 1 race team employees are engineers. Tire engineering and traction control you see in Formula 1, is not in NASCAR.

Rubbin’s Racin’:
There’s more contact in NASCAR, with more beating and banging especially in the closing stages of the race, which at many tracks the drivers have to use their bumper to help make the pass throughout the event. Along with that, a lot of the cars going a lap down don’t give way to the leader. Simply put, you have to earn every spot in NASCAR.

In Closing:
Montoya finished 11th in his Busch Series debut, dispite being involved in a wreck. He’s got a lot to learn, until he can challenge for wins. But I think he’ll make it in time.

I would love to see your comments & opinions on how Montoya will do in NASCAR.

Update (Nov 6, 2006):
I just got some new information on Montoya. Through my contacts in the sport, I can tell you that he (Montoya) is going to receive a lot of sponsorship money (est $25m) from Texaco/Havoline for his Chip Ganassi race team.

Chip Ganassi received a phone call from the top man at Texaco, which the man basically said “I don’t care what it cost to make him (Montoya) successful in NASCAR”.”

Chip then basically responded saying, “We’ll it will take at least $25 million ($25,000,000) to do the job”

So this will bring a interesting spin on how things will go for Montoya.

Rumor: Schumacher to drive in two NASCAR road races in 2007, a $10 million dollar deal?

With Michael Schumacher retiring from Formula 1,  the rumor is out that he may compete in two NASCAR road course events in 2007, one at Sears Point (Infineon) and the other at Watkins Glen.

When you look at Schumacher’s Formula 1 record (91 victories in 250 Grand Prix starts, 68 pole positions & 7 World Championships) you can’t help but say “Why Not?”  Now that he’s no longer going to compete in Formula 1, he should try to see how he would do in the NASCAR world.

He’s still a fairly young driver (37 years old), with a strong potential to show us his stock car ability.

I find the $10 million claim hard to believe, since I’ve never known any NASCAR team to spend $10 million dollars on a driver for 2 road course events.

Yes, Michael Schumacher did make $30 million dollars a year driving for the Ferrari Formula 1 team (thank God for that Marlboro sponsorship that flipped that bill), but I don’t think he’d make a third of that for just 2 NASCAR road course events.

In closing, I hope to see Michael Schumacher compete in NASCAR’s top divisions. I know it will bring a unique aspect to the sport.

AJ Allmendinger to drive 2nd Red Bull car in 2007, #84

Team Red Bull has formally announced a multi-year agreement with American open-wheel race car driver AJ Allmendinger to race the #84 Red Bull Toyota Camry for the 2007 Cup season. All I have to say is “Keep an eye on this guy!”

AJ Allmendinger is without a doubt a true racing talent. His youth and talent will definitely push him atop the charts in both performance and marketability. I remember watching him come from the Skip Barber Dodge Pro Series, which he dominated.

He’s also a former Toyota Atlantic champion and Champ Car rookie of the year, which he is also currently second in the 2006 Champ Car World Series standings with five race wins. This guy can win races in anything he touches. I’m surprised that he’s not been dragged into the F1 world.

I believe this guy will surpass talents like Carl Edwards and Kasey Kane very quickly.