293 replies to this topic

[ragecage]

Hard to believe, but we are only about a week and a half away from the Bud
Shootout and the start of Speedweeks 2006, the kickoff to the whole season.
Pre-season testing has already happened at Daytona and Las Vegas.

A couple of stories that will be interesting to watch this year:

Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing - coming off his second Championship in 4
years, Tony has firmly established himself as one of the premier racers in
the country. As Mark Martin said "Tony Stewart is the greatest racecar
driver in this era." Tony got his temper in check last season, and it
seemed to work wonders. I would expect that to continue this year, though
an outburst here or there wouldn't surprise me! With Bobby Labonte leaving,
TS is also the vetran driver at JGR now. They have what appears to be tons
of talent in Denny Hamlin in the #11 car, and JJ Yeley in the #18 car.
Hamlin performed excellently in the last part of the season in the #11 car
(3 Top 10s in 7 starts). Yeley has a very similar background to TS, and
like him, he has never really lit it up in the Busch series. May be a long
year for Yeley, but the talent appears to be there. Before we start 06, let's just remember this one last time.


Kurt Busch in the #2 Miller Lite car - with Rusty Wallace retiring, Kurt Busch moves to Penske to take over the #2 car.
Of course, Busch was suspended by Jack Rousch for the last 2 races of last season after he got
into an altercation with a cop before the Phoenix race. Busch could
not have ended the season on a more down note, and for someone that has
traditionally had issues with fan and sponsor support, he will certainly be
looking to wipe the slate clean with this new team.


Jamie McMurray in the #26 Rousch car - with Busch moving to Penske, it
opened up the ride at Rousch to be filled by McMurray.


Bobby Labonte and Petty Enterprises - after 11 years with JGR, Bobby Labonte is moving
to Petty to drive the famous #43 car. In addition to Bobby, Petty has added
Robbie Loomis to oversee the teams, and Todd Parrot to be Labonte's crew
chief. Petty has added Championship-winning people in Labonte, Loomis and
Parrot, so it will be interesting to see if these moves can put a Petty car
back in victory lane for the first time since 1999, and Labonte back for the
first time since 2003.


Dale Jr. & DEI - Jr. is coming off of an awful 2005 season, that saw him log
only 5 Top 5s, one Win, and miss the Chase. After swapping crews with the
#15 team before the season, this team struggled almost all year. Late in
the season, Jr. and his cousin Eury Jr. put aside their differences, and
Eury Jr. was back as crew chief of the #8 car. With Waltrip leaving DEI,
Jr. prodigy Truex Jr. will step in as the #8 cars full time teammate this
season. I have a feeling this two will work really well together, as they
appear to be good friends, and no matter what they said, I never thought
Mike and Jr. cared for each other. Also, it appears that DEI's dominance
at restrictor plate tracks has all but gone away. We'll see. There are a
lot of Juniors on this team.


Michael Waltrip - Sorry Mike, I think your time in the sun may have come
and gone. The TV cameras love you because you are a good interview, but I
have a feeling that this team is going to struggle mightily this year, and
we won't be seeing Waltrip too much. Napa is pissed. Looks for Mike to
get more airtime talking about Toyota entering the series in 07, than for
his top finishes.


Greg Biffle - After a long off-season spent tightening lugnuts, look for the #16 team to make another strong run this year.
This team had a great run, and if they can be a little more consistent some at some tracks (no top 10s in any plate or road courses)
they should make another run for the Championship.


Jeff Gordon - Jeff Gordon has a long season last year. They started off
well, and then really struggled. A late season crew chief change seemed to
really get the #24 team back on track (5 Top 10s and 3 Top 5s in the last 7
races). I expect the #24 to pick up where they left off, and be solidly in
the Top 10 (Top 5?) by the end of the year.


Jimmie Johnson - he is having a hard time escaping the question of "Can he win it all?"
For the second year in a row, JJ had a great Chase and a shot
to win it all, but he faded right at the end. Also, at the end of the
season, there was a lot of talk of friction between crew chiew Chad Knaus
and JJ. They deny it, but maybe JJ thought it was a stupid idea to trash
talk the #20 team and "try to get inside their heads." We all know how that
worked out. For some reason, I have a feeling this team will struggle more
this year than they have in a while. My guess is they make the Chase, but
never really contend for the Championship.


Dale Jarrett - retire or race the truck. One or the other.


Rule Changes - it appears that NASCAR is all but doing away with impound races this year.
There seemed to be no real consistency to it, and
it seemed to confuse the teams. Also, it seems like there will not be as
many aero changes this year, and hopefully this will allow teams to tune
into what they have, and the racing will ultimately improve. It seems like
some teams struggled to get the hang of the new package last year, but when
they did, they saw quick results (see the 20 team's midsummer run). As
NASCAR gets ready to introduce the highly touted Car Of Tomorrow next season,
hopefully there won't be too much endless tinkering this year.


That's it for now, I'll add more as I think of it and I get closer (I'll change the title too).
Is anyone still reading?

Edited by ragecage, 20 November 2006 - 11:48 AM.

[bakahump]

Yes but what about Jeff Burton.

[ragecage]

The whole RCR crew hasn't been performing too well. It would be nice to see Harvick have a great year. I think RCR will turn it around a bit this year.

Personally, I like Ward Burton. Good interview with him today on nascar.com. I would love to see Ward get a good full-time Cup ride.

[FredLynnsGlove]

Is anyone still reading?

Yep, like last year, looks like me and you again-

I'd like to see the 8 have a good year- and hopefully Truex will be the answer. And while Junior and Waltrip may have not gotten along all that well- they usually did what they needed to do on the track, especially at the restrictor tracks to run well togther. Hopefully Junior and Truex will hit the ground running at Daytona.

Edited by FredLynnsGlove, 02 February 2006 - 06:21 PM.

[The Napkin]

I'm here too.
Haven't looked into too much yet but I think it's tough to go against Tony until proven otherwise.

[Grunherz54]

Me Four!

I'm very much looking forward to the new season. I gotta hope things will only get better for Junior after the disaster of 2005. I'm excited about seeing him team up with Truex as are alot of DEI fans.

2005 was quite the year for Joe Gibbs. First Tony Stewart's championship and then the Redskins advancing to the divisional playoffs.

Nice overview, RC - it's much appreciated!

[ragecage]

Cool, glad to see there are others around here looking forward to the season starting. The nascar.com guys chime in today with their pre-season Chase contenders here. A pretty good read, they mostly have it split between Tony, Biffle and Edwards.

Also, I forgot to include Mark Martin in my preview above, but I think he will be a huge story all year, and he returns one last time to try and win it all. I don't think there will be anyone that will be rooting against the #6 car this year.

Edited by ragecage, 06 February 2006 - 09:13 AM.

[Oecow]

Also, I forgot to include Mark Martin in my preview above, but I think he will be a huge story all year, and he returns one last time to try and win it all.  I don't think there will be anyone that will be rooting again the #6 car this year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have been a fan of Mark Martin for the past 20 years. I was glad he decided to go for it one more time. Being a MM fan is kind of like being a fan of the Red Sox, coming close so many times. Not is the same heartbreaking fashion though. Hopefully this will be his "2004".

[The Napkin]

there's probably far too few of us, but any interest in a fantasy league? I've never done Nascar

[ragecage]

there's probably far too few of  us, but any interest in a fantasy league? I've never done Nascar

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I actually just started one on Yahoo for me and my buddy (non-SoSH). I was going to ask if people wanted to join.

edit: I'm going to bail on his Yahoo league. The closer I look, I don't like it.

Edited by ragecage, 08 February 2006 - 05:39 PM.

[The Napkin]

how does it even work for nascar?
do you draft (once or each week)? pick drivers for each week (people can have the same drivers?

[ragecage]

how does it even work for nascar?
do you draft (once or each week)? pick drivers for each week (people can have the same drivers?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you know what, I just re-read the Yahoo rules closer, and I don't like how they did it. You can only start each driver for 9 races, etc, etc. I should have read more closely before I did this. I am going to look into some others and start another one. I'll post here if people are interested.

I used to do the Sporting News one, and it was great. It was based on real points, and drivers value changed based on performance. You could buy someone on the way up, and if they did well, you could sell them and upgrade, etc. People could also have he same drivers, it was just based on the value of the whole team. Only problem is they started to make you pay for it last year. The ESPN one seems good, I'm going to investigate and get back to everyone.

any specifics people would be looking for?

[Foxy42]

I am soon marrying into a Nascar mad family. Everyone in the family loves racing (excpet my GF), they all work in a car shop (father, mother, brother, sister) and the father and brother are either at work or working on a custom car or the bro's nascar (he races at Seekonk).

Meanwhile I am certifiably retarded when it comes to all things with motors. Over the past few years, I have watched Nascar simply so that I can have a 1/2 way intelligent conversation with the Dad in Law to be and I've been surprised how much I like it.

I don't set aside time to watch races or anything. But if I am home on a Sunday, it can keep me occupied for a bit.

I would hate Gordon if I were an everyday fan, but since the whole fam are Earnhardt fanatics, I root for him just to be a turd in the punch bowl. Stewrt is the only driver I root for and actually like.

[ragecage]

I would hate Gordon if I were an everyday fan, but since the whole fam are Earnhardt fanatics, I root for him just to be a turd in the punch bowl. Stewrt is the only driver I root for and actually like.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you have great taste already! Truth be told, I don't dislike Gordon as much as I did when I first started following the sport. Like you, I was never a big "gear head" or car guy, but a friend got me to start watching. I always tell people that never have watched, that I think it is easier to get into the sport quicker if you choose your driver, and follow them closely. It gives you something to focus on, starts to get you to understand pit strategy, etc. That's pretty cool that your inlaws are so into it too.

[FredLynnsGlove]

how does it even work for nascar? do you draft (once or each week)? pick drivers for each week (people can have the same drivers?

I've done yahoo for a couple years and it's pretty good- not as detailed as ragecage mentioned- but I kinda like giving drivers just 9 starts a year.

It makes strategy come into it a bit, because it helps to know what drivers are good at what tracks- and with limited starts, it also cures the "i'm taking t-stew all year long" strategy that can make other leagues a little boring.

Anyway, if there's interest in a league here, i'm in.....

[ragecage]

it also cures the "i'm taking t-stew all year long" strategy that can make other leagues a little boring.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

damnit, that was my strategy!

I was looking at the ESPN one, and it seems pretty good for a free one.
Here is the FAQ in case you were wondering how it is run. I may start something here if people like the idea of it, or we could stick with the Yahoo one. Either way...

[The Napkin]

So I was thinking about this last night while I should have been preparing my seminar for today.

Looks to me like yahoo has 3 lists of drivers (A, B, C) and you pick 2 to start each race and get points by how they finish. But you can only use a driver 9 times, which seems a little silly (though FLG does make a good point. Perhaps just make the limit a little higher than 9?). So... how hard would it be to run our own league? Use that A/B/C list. You start 2 from each each week. However many points they get that week you get. I'll keep an excel sheet and tally them up as we go along.
As long as people email me (or post here) 1 hour before green flag they're good to go. No email/post, no points that week. That make any sense at all?

Edited by The Napkin, 10 February 2006 - 02:29 PM.

[ragecage]

So I was thinking about this last night while I should have been preparing my seminar for today.

Looks to me like yahoo has 3 lists of drivers (A, B, C) and you pick 2 to start each race and get points by how they finish. But you can only use a driver 9 times, which seems a little silly (though FLG does make a good point. Perhaps just make the limit a little higher than 9?). So... how hard would it be to run our own league? Use that A/B/C list. You start 2 from each each week. However many points they get that week you get. I'll keep an excel sheet and tally them up as we go along.
As long as people email me (or post here) 1 hour before green flag they're good to go. No email/post, no points that week. That make any sense at all?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that sounds pretty cool Nap, but you sure that isn't a pain for you to track? If it's easier, we can just go with either the Yahoo or the ESPN one. I'm game for anything. what does everyone else think?

[FredLynnsGlove]

It does sound like a lot of work- but if you're up for it Nap it's cool with me.

[FredLynnsGlove]

Anyone hear about this thing?

This years’ NASCAR fans can get a birdeye’s view of the Daytona 500 with “FanView” a new wireless device developed by Sprint Nextel and Kangaroo.TV. Fans can rent FanView for $50 per day or $70 for the weekend. They can watch live coverage, replays, feeds from 7 in-car cameras, listen to audio from pit crews, and get access to NASCAR’s real-time scoring.

http://www.usatoday....n-gadgets_x.htm

Sounds pretty damn cool-

Edited by FredLynnsGlove, 10 February 2006 - 09:33 PM.

[ragecage]

Anyone hear about this thing?
http://www.usatoday....n-gadgets_x.htm

Sounds pretty damn cool-

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe they did a test of that at Homestead last year, and from what I remember hearing it was hugely successful. I would be very interested in checking it out this season if available.

[ragecage]

Tonight is the Bud Shootout, the first racing of 2006! The complete lineup is posted here. Ken Schrader is on the pole, with Stewart and JJ right behind him. Jr. and Waltrip are in the back, but with the small field, there should be tons of moving around. The real question will be how hard it is to pass the leader. I always love the Shootout--not only does it kick off the season, but the small field and short distance always make it really exciting. Looks like there may be some early rain, but hopefully they will get it in.

I also have to go to an effing engagement party tonight, so I am going to have to watch on tape delay when I get home. ugh.

[The Napkin]

that sounds pretty cool Nap, but you sure that isn't a pain for you to track?  If it's easier, we can just go with either the Yahoo or the ESPN one.  I'm game for anything.  what does everyone else think?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I dunno, maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew, but there's not that many of us, right? I'll add the names to the sheet as I get them then Sun night/Mon am I'll ctrl-h the names with the points. Then just do a sum row. Shouldn't be that hard, no?

[ragecage]

The rain hasn't let up at Daytona and NASCAR has decided to postpone the Budweiser Shootout until 4:30 p.m. ET Sunday. Stay with NASCAR.COM for updates.

this works out much better for my schedule

[Grunherz54]

Glad you'll get to see it live, RC!

2:30 PM MST works better for me as well.

Nap: if you do your game I'm in.

Edited by Grunherz54, 11 February 2006 - 09:08 PM.

[ragecage]

Yes but what about Jeff Burton.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

wow. Jeff Burton wins the pole for the 500. Only his 3rd pole ever, and his first since 2000! Impressive.

link

Shootout starts any minute.

[Grunherz54]

Matt Kenseth with radiator trouble. Falling back fast.

[The Napkin]

That's gonna leave a mark

[Grunherz54]

Vickers gets into McMurray and careens into the infield. Nice piece of driving by Junior not to get caught up.

[Grunherz54]

Great race by Hamlin! Kudos to Tony Stewart for helping his teammate to the victory.

Fascinating to watch the 8 and the 20 alternately help each and battle each other within a matter of seconds. Tremendous driving.

Love the showing by Junior - that's better than he raced all of last year, Daytona and Chicago excepted.

Edited by Grunherz54, 12 February 2006 - 06:21 PM.

[ragecage]

man, that was pretty exciting. Hamlin certainly just made his life easier for the 500. A really fun race to watch. It always amazes me how these guys can drop back, almost lose the draft, and then be back at the front of the pack all within a lap or two.

"Someone is going to die again here" -- classic Stewart comment that should get a lot of attention during Speedweeks. I agree, it's always fun to watch the 8 and 20 battle it out (and then laugh with each other afterwards).

[DaveJstice]

It was a fun race. Odd to have seem some of the teams swap around and stuff like that. Good to see Waltrip race the front for a while with a new team and whatnot.

Daytona should be a lot of fun next week. Hamlin made a great showing for himself. Twin Duels on Thursday ought to be interesting.

[ragecage]

Looks like the 48 team is in some trouble and Knaus may be suspended for an illegal window.

According to the source, an instrument was placed inside the car that raised the rear window after it went through pre-qualifying inspection to provide an aerodynamic advantage.

This is pretty blatant, and not something that can be blamed on a shop oversight or something like that.

[Gutierrezs Ghost]

It's not oversight, they're playing the game. I work with a couple of local racers, and their attitude is much like a man on second stealing signs. It's wrong and unsportsman-like, but if everyone's doing it and if you don't get caught, it's worth it. These guys work on their cars in the back of our workplace during the summer and they're always looking for some sort of advantage (melting lead and putting it into tailgates and adjustable weight distribution during the race are a few that I've seen.)

In NASCAR it's exponentially tougher to do, but the race crews are smarter. I think I saw something last year that profiled one of the crews and it was filled with mechanical/aeronautical engineers.


Something that struck me as funny yesterday, Edwards was penalized (trip to pit row) for passing someone under the yellow line. The replay clearly showed he was avoiding a couple of cars that checked up at the last minute to go into pit row. He basically said as much on the radio and then said to his crew chief he wasn't coming in, screw the officials. He eventually came in a few laps later but it got me thinking. Has anyone ever refused for the whole race? What could they do? Send out the pace car to take him out? Take his keys when he came into pit?

[ragecage]

I agree that almost all of the time this stuff is done on purpose. I just meant that sometimes it can come across as harder to explain (i.e. the car is a bit too low, etc). These guys definitely stretch the rules as far as possible, and do everything they can to get an advantage. But when there is a physical extra piece in the car who's purpose serves just to break the rules, it is pretty black and white that it was done intentionally, and NASCAR seems to react more accordingly.

It's funny though, because along the lines of teams trying to get every advantage, I heard again that the 48 team is now painting all graphics on their cars, instead of applying vinyl graphics as most teams do. The vinyl graphics form a tiny lip that theoretically make the car less aerodynamic. That is crazy, but shows the lengths they go to.

Something that struck me as funny yesterday, Edwards was penalized (trip to pit row) for passing someone under the yellow line. The replay clearly showed he was avoiding a couple of cars that checked up at the last minute to go into pit row. He basically said as much on the radio and then said to his crew chief he wasn't coming in, screw the officials. He eventually came in a few laps later but it got me thinking. Has anyone ever refused for the whole race? What could they do? Send out the pace car to take him out? Take his keys when he came into pit?

I agreed with Edwards there. That was a lame call. It was pretty funny to hear him say he wasn't coming in. I'm not sure, but I believe that if they refuse to come in, they will then issue a 5 lap black flag and if the driver still refuses, NASCAR then does not issue them any points for the race.

[The Napkin]

Yeah, they replayed the incar audio a bit later. Go Edwards. His chief had to tell him a couple times "come in now". Would have liked to have seen him just stay out to make the point though since it wasn't a points race. Total BS ruling. They also said in the broadcast that he got called to the trailer after the race. Would love to have been a fly on the wall.

So I'm leaving Fri for FL. You guys want to do that fantasy thing? I'll set up a new gamil account just for it.

[ragecage]

So I'm leaving Fri for FL. You guys want to do that fantasy thing? I'll set up a new gamil account just for it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm game if you want to do it. It's a long season, but if you don't mind, then great. Is it easier for you to receive via email? If not, we could just post our picks here each week.

Also, leaving for FL? You're not going to the race are you?!?

[The Napkin]

I'm game if you want to do it.  It's a long season, but if you don't mind, then great.  Is it easier for you to receive via email?  If not, we could just post our picks here each week.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What the heck, let's do it. Don't really think it'll be all that much work. *shrug* If I get a week behind don't hate me.
Either pick here or send an email to napkinnascar@gmail.com. Doesn't matter much to me either way.
We gonna do the adapted yahoo thing I talked about above? No limit or a 15 race or so limit for drivers?

Also, leaving for FL?  You're not going to the race are you?!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm going to Tampa to visit the family. Booked the trip before I realized it was Daytona weekend. I'm really tempted to take a trip over Sun am. None of them would be interested though. We'll see. I'm out all day on a fishing charter Sat so I'll probably be sun burned and exhausted, but it would be a blast to hit it up.

[William Robertson]

My thoughts from yesterday. First, the Edwards call sure looked like some jive. Second: Rage, did 55's brief run at the front yesterday change your cautious estimate of his chances for the year? Third, and most notable, IMO: Stewart's comments after the race. The usual laconic racer code language is similar to astronauts: "It was a little dicey out there" = we all just about got killed. So Stewart says out and out that somebody is *going to get killed* at Daytona or Talledega this year if things don't change. Obviously, I hope and pray not, but if they do, that clip will be shown again and again and people will say, if the best driver in the game says this, why didn't we do something about it? Of course, they interviewed Junior right after that and he said, Well, we get paid a lot to do this and if we change it nobody will buy tickets.

[ragecage]

Second:  Rage, did 55's brief run at the front yesterday change your cautious estimate of his chances for the year?

not really, though I did think about it when he took the lead. Mike has has great equipment at plate tracks the past couple of years, and has shown that he can win. I just doubt that his equipment can keep in the hunt on this team, and I'm not sure that his talent can either. I wouldn't mind seeing it happen though!

Third, and most notable, IMO:  Stewart's comments after the race.  The usual laconic racer code language is similar to astronauts:  "It was a little dicey out there" = we all just about got killed.  So Stewart says out and out that somebody is *going to get killed* at Daytona or Talledega this year if things don't change.  Obviously, I hope and pray not, but if they do, that clip will be shown again and again and people will say, if the best driver in the game says this, why didn't we do something about it?  Of course, they interviewed Junior right after that and he said, Well, we get paid a lot to do this and if we change it nobody will buy tickets.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That was weird how TS made those stern comments, and then Jr was right there. It was kind of uncomfortable. I guess Stewart was upset enough to go and talk to NASCAR about it after the race, and it seems like they are taking it to heart.

Stewart said he was hit so hard by Ryan Newman that his head bounced off the headrest.

"It should have knocked a filling loose,'' he said. "I've never hit the headrest so hard when I didn't back it into the wall."

Link

Hopefully they can get through the 500 and then make some changes before 'Dega. It just seems like at these plate tracks, they have a really hard time making changes that will make the drivers and fans all happy, though obviously safety needs to come first.

[bakahump]

WOOOHOOO JEFFFFFF BURTON.



I TOLD ALL OF YOU! LOL

I hope he has a good year....even if I hate GM/CHEVY and RCR. I like Burton and will always remember (Kinda...in a drunken haze) his 4 or 5 in row at loudon.

[ragecage]

What the heck, let's do it. Don't really think it'll be all that much work. *shrug* If I get a week behind don't hate me.
Either pick here or send an email to napkinnascar@gmail.com. Doesn't matter much to me either way.
We gonna do the adapted yahoo thing I talked about above? No limit or a 15 race or so limit for drivers?
I'm going to Tampa to visit the family. Booked the trip before I realized it was Daytona weekend. I'm really tempted to take a trip over Sun am. None of them would be interested though. We'll see. I'm out all day on a fishing charter Sat so I'll probably be sun burned and exhausted, but it would be a blast to hit it up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm more inclined to go with no limit (yes, I need to have the 20 in my picks every week ), but can go with whatever everyone thinks. I'll probably just post em here.

If you get a chance to make it over to Daytona, it's worth it. I spent a few days in the infield around the 2003 500 and it was amazing. It's all been re-done now too, and should be even nicer. Have fun.

[Grunherz54]

Knaus ejected from Daytona after disqualification

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson's crew chief was thrown out of the Daytona 500 on Monday for illegal modifications made to Johnson's car during pole qualifying.

Chad Knaus was accused of raising the rear window on the No. 48 Chevrolet to alter aerodynamics during Johnson's run Sunday. The infraction was discovered in a post-qualifying inspection when the car failed to fit NASCAR templates.

NASCAR said Knaus cannot appeal the ejection.

NASCAR also said the team is subject to additional penalties, which would not be announced until after Sunday's Daytona 500.

[ragecage]

I'm sorry, but I hate Knaus so this is awesome. Not only thrown out of the 500, but the rest of Speedweeks. The no appeal is the key. Looks like he may miss more races too. This is sending a clear message.

At first I wondered why they bothered doing this in a non-points race, but the only thing I can figure is that they wanted to see what they could get away with before it came to a points race. Have fun at home Chad.

If there really was tension amoung the team at the end of last year, I wonder what this will do.

Knaus could appeal further suspensions, but there is no appeal for this week because Knaus technically was ejected.

"In the NASCAR rule book, we can take emergency action to eject somebody from an event,'' NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "That's what we used here.''

[FredLynnsGlove]

I'm more inclined to go with no limit (yes, I need to have the 20 in my picks every week  ), but can go with whatever everyone thinks. I'll probably just post em here

I'm in- but I think we should do a limit, 15 is good- maybe even a little high, but I'll go with the flow.....

[ragecage]

I'm in- but I think we should do a limit,  15 is good- maybe even a little high, but I'll go with the flow.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm cool with whatever the consensus is. FLG, you said you have done the straight Yahoo before (with the 9 limit) and liked it, right? Maybe we should just go with that and save Nap having to compile all the info. Either way work for me.

[LateRally]

Wine Popularity Rises Among NASCAR Set

Wine-drinking Nascar crews? What’s next -- brie en croute instead of nachos at the concession stand?

...

“When I started here in 1998, it was mostly that stereotypical blue-collar, beer-drinking crowd, but over the last four or five years you see a lot more polo shirts and khaki shorts,” said John Cardinale, Infineon VP-media relations.

Wine-sipping yuppy NASCAR fans? Is nothing sacred?!

[ragecage]

Looks like NASCAR will try to do something about the bump-drafting, starting with the 125s.

NASCAR will post additional officials in the turns at Daytona International Speedway to monitor the act of bump-drafting between cars on the track, according to Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for the sanctioning body. And left up to make the call, he said Tuesday, officials could penalize drivers for such contact.

Link

[ragecage]

Wine Popularity Rises Among NASCAR Set
Wine-sipping yuppy NASCAR fans? Is nothing sacred?!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

check this out. what would Dale Sr. think?

Childress Vineyards

[The Napkin]

Okay, decision time. We going with yahoo or going to adapt and I'll track (12 limit? 15 limit?)?

And for the record:

A drivers (pick 2 per race)
Tony Stewart
Greg Biffle
Jimmie Johnson
Mark Martin
Ryan Newman
Carl Edwards
Kurt Busch
Matt Kenseth
Jeff Gordon
Jamie McMurray

B drivers (pick 4 per race)
Jeremy Mayfield
Denny Hamlin
Elliott Sadler
Kevin Harvick
Joe Nemechek
Dale Jarrett
Brian Vickers
Kyle Busch
Jeff Burton
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Kasey Kahne
Casey Mears
Michael Waltrip
Clint Bowyer
Bobby Labonte
Sterling Marlin
Dave Blaney
Travis Kvapil
Martin Truex Jr
Robby Gordon

C drivers (pick 2 per race)
Rusty Wallace
Ron Fellows
Scott Pruett
Todd Bodine
Kyle Petty
Jeff Green
Mike Bliss
Ken Schrader
Scott Wimmer
Boris Said
Scott Riggs
Paul Menard
Jason Leffler
Kenny Wallace
Terry Labonte
Bill Elliott
Johnny Sauter
John Andretti
Kevin Lepage
Tony Raines
J.J. Yeley
Bobby Hamilton Jr
Kerry Earnhardt
Derrike Cope
Jimmy Spencer
David Stremme
Reed Sorenson
Johnny Benson
Mike Skinner
Randy LaJoie
Kirk Shelmerdine
Chad Chaffin
Greg Sacks
Donnie Neuenberger
Brent Sherman