Daytona 500

[kaw500]

And away we go.

I just thought I'd get the party started with the 1st of our weekly NASCAR race threads.
Shoot out Saturday night, Qualifying Sunday, Twin 150's on Thursday and the 500 on the 18th. After going last year I thought once is enough but I sure would like to be there again this year. Lots of drama in the off season and the Toyota has landed in Cup.

I think Tony Stewart will be a force to reckon with on race day and Casey Mears will also have a strong run along with the usal suspects. But I'm in the RGM camp again this year and the #7 Ford will make a charge, top 20, top 10? No matter though with RG at the wheel it will never be boring.

The big question is will NASCAR let us vote on the in-car radio transmission? After taking RG off the ballot (for alot of odd reasons) he never retuned to it last year.

[b-makk]

The big question is will NASCAR let us vote on the in-car radio transmission? After taking RG off the ballot (for alot of odd reasons) he never retuned to it last year.

There's going to be 40 drivers available this year for every race. That leaves 3 guys out - Besides RG, I wonder who the other 2 will be :D

They took him off the ballot last year because it depends on points - they took the highest 5 guys not already available (except the Gibbs teams who opted out).

Stewart should win the 500 this year as long as he doesn't start another fight with Kenseth. I think he'll win the Cup too.

[dezertranger1600]

He was consistent at the end of last season...so hopefully it'll carry over to this season

[kaw500]

[QUOTE=b-makk;250902]They took him off the ballot last year because it depends on points - they took the highest 5 guys not already available (except the Gibbs teams who opted out). /QUOTE]

One of several reasons we were given, when I called I was told it was to give other drivers a chance I could not belive I was told that. I think NASCAR finally just ignored our inquries (and there where lot of them) because if he was on the ballot he got voted in by a huge margin. Lots of support? ES fans got happy when they removed RG.:D

[b-makk]

One of several reasons we were given, when I called I was told it was to give other drivers a chance I could not belive I was told that. I think NASCAR finally just ignored our inquries (and there where lot of them) because if he was on the ballot he got voted in by a huge margin. Lots of support? ES fans got happy when they removed RG.:D

They'll have a hard time giving a good reason this year when he's 1 of 3 not available. They'll finally have to come straight out and tell you it's "because his name is Robby Gordon!"

I remember voting ......constantly! Too bad we can't vote for somebody to be removed ...POS! DirecTV made a big mistake giving him an in-car camera because the view sucks from the garage.

[bajafox]

Finally!

Let's see what these Rousch/Yates motors are made of and being a Toyota guy I hope they have a good year.

[spalind]

Finally!

Let's see what these Rousch/Yates motors are made of and being a Toyota guy I hope they have a good year.

Agreed...as much as I want RG to do well with his new car and engine...I can't stand Rousch's whining about Toyota all the time...

[woundedyak]

On speed channel last night. Rousch said he set aside 10mil just to deal with Toyota. I think he just shot himself in the foot. After this season,I bet Toyota starts approaching the big teams like Gibbs and Pensky. If one of those teams goes with Toyota, I bet Rousch will become a second rate team.

[RGFan]

Seems like RG is having some aero issues and is wanting some more on track time. They just showed Robby blow by the courtesy line in practice to get onto the track. There are alot of Fords, most with Roush/Yates HP near the top of the leader board, RG is currently 44th. They were starting to bash Robby for not waiting in line. Larry Mac came on and noted that RG needs more time on the track with the new Ford and all and can not afford to go along with being courteous today. I am sure we will hear from the bashers about this. So goes life as an RG fan in nascar

[NIKAL]

This was anounced at Dayatona, POS does it again! He Buys another teams points!

* Waltrip partners up with Wells for the #00 team: Michael Waltrip Racing has partnered with PPI Motorsports owner Cal Wells for the ownership of the #00 Domino's/Burger King Toyota. The team will be known as Waltrip-PPI Racing with Michael Waltrip Racing as the managing partner, MWR general manager Ty Norris said Friday. That means the car, driven by David Reutimann, will have the points of the #32 car from last season, which was 37th in points and not in the top 35 to be locked in for the first five races. Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby confirmed Friday those points only help in case of a rainout of all qualifying for the Daytona 500 (and possibly at the expense of the Waltrip's #55). Having qualifying wiped out for the Daytona 500 is a highly unlikely scenario with four days to get qualifying speeds posted and three days to get the 150-mile qualifying races completed. If qualifying gets rained out at other tracks, the 2006 owner points are used to set the top 35, but are not used as criteria if qualifying attempts are needed to fill the field. Norris said as Michael Waltrip Racing was building up its team, it had a need for equipment and personnel that Wells had. "It really doesn't change anything for marketing purposes - but Cal Wells is involved as the car owner," Norris said. "There may be some benefit to us [in qualifying], but whether there is or not, we were starting a new team that needed some people. "Cal's whole 32 pit crew is the pit crew for Michael Waltrip now. There are a lot of things that we did with Cal, and if there is a benefit that comes along with it in the rainout provision, that would be good for us." Michael Waltrip Racing would retain the points if PPI Motorsports returns to competition in 2008, Norris said.(SceneDaily.com)(2-10-2007)

[RGFan]

Well, practice for Qualifying is now over. I sure hope that Team Gordon is sandbagging. But from what they showed by bypassing the courtesy line for practice, it seems that they are a little concerned with their lack of speed. RYR on the other hand seems to have their restrictor plate program in pretty good shape, as usual. With John Story gone, it sure would be interesting to see if they all can work something out.

[erikh]

Any thoughts on what the strange smell and strange liquid might have been on POS intake manifold?

erik

[jusbus09]

does anyone know what time qualifying is today and what channel?

[woundedyak]

Any thoughts on what the strange smell and strange liquid might have been on POS intake manifold?

erik

When they just interviewed POS,he looked like he was about to cry.He said they found some "oil" in the intake.They put a new intake on ,fired the engine up again,found more "oil" in the intake. He looked pretty worried for it just being "oil"

[kaw500]

I don't think MIKEE will make it in the show (oil??). RG 34th let us see how he does in the 150. The lead fox announcer not to know how many days DAKAR is, something about that disappoints me. I thought Mike Joy would at least know that little piece of info.

James Hylton! Suddenly I do not feel so old.

[dezerts10]

where are you guys watching or getting your info from?

Gregg

[erikh]

The Fox coverage of qualifying on TV today.

erik

[kaw500]

9 @ 17 Q times out as NASCAR found aero issues after their runs.

MIKEE's car impounded by NASCAR & intake manifold sent for testing on fluid that was discovered during tech.

Rookie on the pole, that guy has really made a name for himself in a short time.

RG 36th fastest, NOL is pain unable to view Thursdays starting lineups

[Bricoop]

Yeah like 9 days in Dakar??? Almost double that actually.

POS may be in a bit of trouble, oil in the manifold??? Doubtful.

RG real nose high down the straight away. They still havn't gotten the Aero figured out yet. Good to see two Fords on the front row.

What about toyota and their chrome(probably polished aluminum) wheels?

[NicksTrix]

[QUOTE=bajafox;

Let's see what these Rousch/Yates motors are made of.[/QUOTE]

well what do you think? the blue oval boys looked pretty good out there if they had their car right.
now let's see how things go on thursday. should be a thriller.

looks like MWR has some explaining to do...

[kaw500]

RG starts inside row 9 in the first 150. I agree Coop it would appear that engine is good aero is the key lets see if they figure it out.

Great to RR up front.

MIKEE will only get one car in the show on a provisional. Maybe 2 but it won't be the 55. If NASCAR belives he did something intentional then like FLY says it will be the lanes in his future.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

looks like MWR has some explaining to do...

He is a Waltrip... It's called "Splain'n"

[Bricoop]

Also Kenseth and Kahne will have some splain'n to do. Both of them had illegal aero changes on their car and will be moved to the back of the field with more penalties in their future.

Ive said it before and I'll say it again:
In NASCAR it's not who cheats it's who gets caught.

[TrademarkTim]

Big props to david gilliland....i hope he does well.

does anyone know what the deal is with dale jr's contract and some dispute with his mom (step mom?). they made a mention of it during the shootout but thats it..

[RGFan]

Big props to david gilliland....i hope he does well.

does anyone know what the deal is with dale jr's contract and some dispute with his mom (step mom?). they made a mention of it during the shootout but thats it..

To make a long story short, Dale Jr. and Therese Earnhardt (Step Mom) who solely owns DEI, have a love/hate relationship that has been documented as being very fiery at times. Well, Dale Jr. has decided he wants 51% controlling interest in DEI and his signing with them depends on it. His contract with DEI ends at the end of this season. There is more involved, but that pretty much sums it up in a nut shell so to speak.

[Soylent_Green]

To make a long story short, Dale Jr. and Therese Earnhardt (Step Mom) who solely owns DEI, have a love/hate relationship that has been documented as being very fiery at times. Well, Dale Jr. has decided he wants 51% controlling interest in DEI and his signing with them depends on it. His contract with DEI ends at the end of this season. There is more involved, but that pretty much sums it up in a nut shell so to speak.
And,
Supposedly, John Menard Jr. is part owner of Robby Gordon Motorsports
Supposedly, John Menard Jr. and Theresa Earnhardt are an "item"
John Menard Jr.'s son Paul Menard races for Theresa Earnhardt's team

"Like sands in an hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives"

[bajafox]

I'm not really looking forward to this years 500 as I thought I'd be...

Good thing I'll be in Primm for the Battle at Primm weekend and definetely a good thing NASCAR switched from XM to Sirius...it'll make that drive home from San Felipe on Sunday with my fat hangover that much better:D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Penalties Announced: 4 Crew Chiefs Suspended, Fines, Points Taken Away: UPDATE: NASCAR announced Tuesday that four Nextel Cup Series crew chiefs have been suspended from competition, starting with Sunday’s season-opening Daytona 500. Two of the four – Ken Francis, crew chief for the #9 Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne; and Robbie Reiser, crew chief for the #17 Ford of Matt Kenseth – have been suspended for four races and fined $50,000. Also, Kahne and Kenseth were penalized with the loss of 50 driver championship points while their car owners, Ray Evernham and Jack Roush, were penalized 50 car owner championship points. The violations by the #9 and #17 teams were found during post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 11. Both teams’ qualifying times were disallowed. Two others – Rodney Childers, crew chief for the #10 Dodge driven by Scott Riggs; and Josh Browne, crew chief for the #19 Dodge driven by Elliott Sadler – have been suspended for two races and fined $25,000. In addition, Riggs and Sadler were penalized 25 driver championship points while their car owners, James Rocco and Evernham, were penalized 25 car owner championship points. The violations by the #10 and #19 teams were found prior to qualifying. In each instance the violations were of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20-2.1E (unapproved aerodynamic modification) of the series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(2-13-2007)
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Roush Racing appointed Chip Bolin, long-time engineer on the #17 team, as the interim crew chief for the remainder of Speedweeks at Daytona and throughout Reiser’s suspension. Jack Roush stated, “I respect and accept NASCAR's determination that the car was out of compliance as it was inspected after Sunday's qualifying attempt. I have asked (Roush Racing President) Geoff Smith to evaluate whether the penalties assessed are unduly harsh for the circumstances before making a final decision as to whether or not we will appeal the severity of the penalty imposed." Smith said, "The extreme harshness of the penalty surprises me given NASCAR's recent history of imposing lesser penalties on habitual offenders engaged in radically more flagrant rule offenses. For that reason, I am likely to recommend that we appeal the penalty assessment, although I have some more study to do before I officially make that recommendation."(Roush Racing PR)(2-13-2007)

[kaw500]

Here come the penalties 4 down (9, 19, 10 & 17) and one (Mikee) to go.

From NOL
http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/02/13/mkenseth.kkahne.penalties/index.html

[kaw500]

Damm FLY you are quick why do I even bother.:D LOL

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Here come the penalties 4 down (9, 19, 10 & 17) and one (Mikee) to go.

From NOL
http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/02/13/mkenseth.kkahne.penalties/index.html

Yeah that is just the calm before the storm... Mikey is dust.

[Ryno]

Mikey's head deep in some thick mud, (or maybe it's OIL??) and is trying to save as much face as he can. The Japanese boys better get back to the engine dyno, and make more power.

Yates' motors have some SERIOUS power. For them to come off of '06, and come up for #1 and #2 first time out, he's not going down as easy as everyone thought. Seems like he's back with a vengeance.

RG better race his *** off @ the Duels. He needs to start the year in the show. Work on the aero as it goes.

[dezertranger1600]

RG will get er done...POS is done.

[Offspring]

RG better race his *** off @ the Duels. He needs to start the year in the show. Work on the aero as it goes.

He's in regardless how he does in the dual, but needs to do well none-the-less.

[kaw500]

Mikey's head deep in some thick mud, (or maybe it's OIL??) and is trying to save as much face as he can. The Japanese boys better get back to the engine dyno, and make more power.

Yates' motors have some SERIOUS power. For them to come off of '06, and come up for #1 and #2 first time out, he's not going down as easy as everyone thought. Seems like he's back with a vengeance.

RG better race his *** off @ the Duels. He needs to start the year in the show. Work on the aero as it goes.

RG is in the show he does need a good run in his 150 to secure a decent starting spot for the 500. I'd like to see him at least start somewhere in the 1st 10 rows.
AERO = SPEED

[FlyHiFlyLo]

The Duels...

1) Don't hurt the car

2)Finish well for a decent pit

[RGFan]

The Duels...

1) Don't hurt the car

2)Finish well for a decent pit


And figure what minor tweeks the body needs to draft well in the pack

[b-makk]

RG at the bottom of the speed charts in todays practice. Something might have happened because his average speed over 16 laps is 167 compared to everybody else at approx 183.

[b-makk]

However, not mentioned in the incidents:
incidents: #10-Riggs scraped the wall, doing some damage to the right rear of the car. #88-Rudd scraped the wall and did some damage to the right rear bumper. #15-Menard scraped the wall and came to garage. #11-Hamlin slapped the wall and #99-Edwards got into the #11, but both kept going, #11 car sie is pancaked pretty good. Polesitter, #38-Gilliland pancaked the side when he scraped the wall.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG at the bottom of the speed charts in todays practice. Something might have happened because his average speed over 16 laps is 167 compared to everybody else at approx 183.


Just scuff'n tires?

Plus, RG will get a new engine after the duels.

[kaw500]

However, not mentioned in the incidents:
incidents: #10-Riggs scraped the wall, doing some damage to the right rear of the car. #88-Rudd scraped the wall and did some damage to the right rear bumper. #15-Menard scraped the wall and came to garage. #11-Hamlin slapped the wall and #99-Edwards got into the #11, but both kept going, #11 car sie is pancaked pretty good. Polesitter, #38-Gilliland pancaked the side when he scraped the wall.


What's the deal, weather, tires? Both cars on the front row have had a close encounter with the wall.

[b-makk]

Oil leak caused Robby's poor practice showing. Speed reports he won't be participating in practice #2. May need the backup engine.

[Bricoop]

Just scuff'n tires?

Plus, RG will get a new engine after the duels.

SOunds like he will now get one before them.

[spalind]

OK...thats good...I thought RG was going backwards with his setup...Lets hope those new engines are better than the ones he's gotten so far...

[Bricoop]

OK...thats good...I thought RG was going backwards with his setup...Lets hope those new engines are better than the ones he's gotten so far...

For sure, he wasn't bad during testing, and with a couple of Ford's on the front row I'm excited to see how RG does in his duel.

[firedog]

Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come...reliability of the Ford engines.

[NicksTrix]

his speed issues aren't engine related. he's got plenty of power. trust me on this one.

[dezertranger1600]

robby will find a way to git r done.

[Bricoop]

his speed issues aren't engine related. he's got plenty of power. trust me on this one.

How do you know Nick, you act like you build the engine. ( ;) for all those who didn't get the blatent sarcasm).

All kidding aside Robby needs to get this Aero thing figured out ASAP.

[kaw500]

So besides me who took the day off to watch the 150's? (Oh yeah I am taking the Funmover in for new tires as well) This was some of the most fun I had last year at Daytona they were great races and RG getting in was cool too. I'm rooting the elder statesman James Hylton today.

[dezertranger1600]

i am rooting for Hylton too..what is he...73 yrs old? That would be one hell of a time for him if he makes it.

[kaw500]

OK Race fans 1st 150 about to go this will be good. A load of guys doing whatever they can to get in the 500.

[JRod]

The Japs are invading...

first POS takes out Dale Jr. and then Allmendicker takes RG out for the day...

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

[kaw500]

That sucked

[b-makk]

Good thing he's in the top 35!

[REEVESRacing]

Damb!

Yellow, 11 to go...James Hylton running 8th, first of those who have to race in. Sauter 9th, then POS running 11th (twighlight Zone for him this week...:eek:). with a bunch of "must race in's" behind him...thiw will be interesting...

Hylton's Story / Background is very cool, first race in '64, Crew Chief, runner up for Nascar Championship 2x's in the 70's, aq couple of wins, a few poles, sponsored by "Retirement Living!" Ha...

An inspiration for sure.

oh yeah, Stewart, Jeff Burton, Jr., Gilliand leading...

[kaw500]

MIKEE's in, in fact all 3 MWR cars are in the show. Never say die but I'm surprised for sure.

[Hemp]

so where is robby gonna end up? without speed channel and the ****ty nascar.com i am lost up here at school

has anyone got any photos of the new monster helmet yet...i have seen the pit crew but not robby's yet

[bajafox]

Did anyone try out the "Free" TrackPass thing? I think it's great that they put so much stuff but it SLOOOOOOOOWED the hell out of my computer and it kept stauling

If I end up paying for this thing I dont want to have to wait 5 minutes to be able to minimize windows...

[bajafox]

Is it true Jeffy is having trouble getting by post race inspection?

If so this is just way too good to be true!!! What a week!

[Bricoop]

from jayski:

Post Inspection Problem with #24? SPEED's Victory Lane show is reporting NASCAR is looking hard at the #24-Jeff Gordon car that won the 2nd Gatorade Duel 150 race, supposedly something with the templates.(2-15-2006)

[kaw500]

from jayski:

Post Inspection Problem with #24? SPEED's Victory Lane show is reporting NASCAR is looking hard at the #24-Jeff Gordon car that won the 2nd Gatorade Duel 150 race, supposedly something with the templates.(2-15-2006)

I just heard a blurb they have moved the 24 to a rear start on Sunday.

[PLS]

I just heard a blurb they have moved the 24 to a rear start on Sunday.

Missalligned bolt caused car to sit too low. Nascar feels it was unintentional, so no team penalties. He will be moved to the back though for Sunday.

[kaw500]

The #24 to the back but JG keeps the victory.

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/02/15/jgordon.duels.inspection/index.html

Maybe JG and RG can hook up early on and move up quickly but I don't think they are very compatable drafting partners.

[spalind]

How much do we have to worry about any damage that was done to the 7 cars engine from that spin yesterday?? Or will they replace the entire engie before the race (might as well...not like a move to the back of the field is that much of a downgrade from where he is now anyway....)

[RGFan]

The #24 to the back but JG keeps the victory.

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/02/15/jgordon.duels.inspection/index.html

Maybe JG and RG can hook up early on and move up quickly but I don't think they are very compatable drafting partners.


Lol. Hey so what do you all think about Red Bull 0 for 2. That has to hurt. Robby was working hard on them for close to 2 years to sponsor him. He is in, they are not:D It is going to be a long year for them, out of the hole, down the points of one entire race. It probably wll not be their last. If you ask me, AJ Almendinger should have been left in his truck ride for a year, or maybe an ABC program and offered Bill Elliot a big payday for one season. It is obvious that AJ is not ready for Nextel Cup

[RGFan]

How much do we have to worry about any damage that was done to the 7 cars engine from that spin yesterday?? Or will they replace the entire engie before the race (might as well...not like a move to the back of the field is that much of a downgrade from where he is now anyway....)
They all get to change engines after the duals. YOu would have had a very good point though, reverse rotation is hell on big HP engines. Being that he is starting 39th, he would not have lost many positions if that was the case.

[b-makk]

How are they going to sort out all of the guys going to the rear? Will RG be sent further to the rear since he's changing the car too?

[RGFan]

How are they going to sort out all of the guys going to the rear? Will RG be sent further to the rear since he's changing the car too?

More than likely, but at worse, it will only be 4 positions. Not a big deal as long as he can stay with the draft. Robby can draft as well as anyone. I am more worried about how good car 7A is. They keep good notes though for situations just like this. The car hopefully should be ready to go for Daytona. One thing is for sure, it was a very late night for Team Gordon, if it ever ended at all.

[Bricoop]

More than likely, but at worse, it will only be 4 positions. Not a big deal as long as he can stay with the draft. Robby can draft as well as anyone. I am more worried about how good car 7A is. They keep good notes though for situations just like this. The car hopefully should be ready to go for Daytona. One thing is for sure, it was a very late night for Team Gordon, if it ever ended at all.

Personally I would like to see RG hang back early. Kinda like what Jr. and JJ did a few years back. Stay away from the big one then start racing laster on.

[RGFan]

Yeah, I see your point, but he tried that last year and it kind of bit him in the end, he waited a little to long at the end. For the first half, absolutely IMO. One thing that is nice, all of the idiots like AJ Almendinger, who IMO has no business being in the Nextel Cup Series his first season are gone and hopefully, the craziness should ease up a little atleast. But then again, this is Daytona, home of the Big One

[spalind]

Yeah, I see your point, but he tried that last year and it kind of bit him in the end, he waited a little to long at the end. For the first half, absolutely IMO. One thing that is nice, all of the idiots like AJ Almendinger, who IMO has no business being in the Nextel Cup Series his first season are gone and hopefully, the craziness should ease up a little atleast. But then again, this is Daytona, home of the Big One

I'm hoping for a giant catastrophic crash on lap 3 (with no one being hurt of course) that takes out 50% of the field and leaves RG unscathed thus ensuring him a top 20 finish even if his car does blow up about a half hour into the race...

[Bricoop]

Robby's car looks good.

[kaw500]

Pactice #5
34th #7 Robby Gordon Ford Jim Beam 186.062 48.371 -1.056

[spalind]

Pactice #5
34th #7 Robby Gordon Ford Jim Beam 186.062 48.371 -1.056

Not good...

[RGFan]

Not good...

He is fine. Look at some of the cars he is with time wise. If this was a downforce track, I would be concerned, but this is a restrictor plate track. As soon as he gets nut to butt with another car it will all be good. This was pretty much a shake down for the back up car. He did not spend alot of time on the track during practice. I can not say that I blame him after the events of yesterday. Strong comeback with repairing the Busch car.

[AZBadseed]

How is happy hour going? anyone watching?

[kaw500]

How is happy hour going? anyone watching?

RG 12th in the practice session. Why is MIKEE's car the bondo special I don't remember him tearing it up.

[AZBadseed]

RG 12th in the practice session. Why is MIKEE's car the bondo special I don't remember him tearing it up.

sweet and 12th only ran 10 laps....gettin' comfortable! GAS ON!:D

[RGFan]

RG 12th in the practice session. Why is MIKEE's car the bondo special I don't remember him tearing it up.

He roughed it up with Junior in the duals. Guess they fixed it late yestereday and today

[kaw500]

OK here we go Trackpass seems to be working now let's see is the scanner works.

RG stay clean long race needs a partner for sure thinking this might be the year the Dash, 150 & the 500 is the same guy.

[REEVESRacing]

Hoping for a good showing for RG today.

[kaw500]

RG is live on the scanner

[kaw500]

yellow lap 19th Said spun RG 38th at restart.

[dezertranger1600]

RG currently in 37th with 168 to go...

[kaw500]

50 laps down RG 37th
MWR cars 66 36th, 55 38th, 00 43rd.

Not like last year when we had 3 wide 4 and 5 deep frieght trains are boring

[dezertranger1600]

good race so far...only 1 caution.

[kaw500]

The #7 did not get a full load of fuel during his pit will need to come in early or get a yellow. RG is not a happy camper

[kaw500]

Greg just told Rob they are OK on gas maybe just a lap or 2 short.

[kaw500]

Small issue in the pits nice 180

[kaw500]

Lap 93 RG making a move up to 22nd

[dezertranger1600]

gilliland spun him out...not good

[kaw500]

23 to go RG 25th under yellow will go green with about 20 laps left. Now it's taking the shape of a plate race.

[firedog]

RG just took 4 tires I think that only 4 or 5 other cars have new tires for the last 10 or so laps....Gas on RG let's get 'er to the front!!!

[RGFan]

WEll, obviously there is some work that needs to be done with the new Ford restrictor plate program for RGM. Either he chose the wrong gear for the race or the aero just sucks, because RG is a solid drafter. I will hold judgement on the Ford program until we see the first few races on the 1 1/2 to 2 mile tracks. Chevy's usually dominate the restirctor plate tracks, Fords kick butt on the intermediate to 2 mile tracks. Here is hoping for a top 25

[RGFan]

holly crap!!! did you guys see RG avoid the two cars just now? An absolutely amazing piece of driving

[kaw500]

and sometime you just need a little luck can't belive he made it thru

[RGFan]

If he holds on, RG will get a top 20 just thru attrition . That would be sweet considering how bad the 7 car is today

[kaw500]

Lots of chatter on the radio everything from 4 tires to staying out. top 20 on the menu.

[RGFan]

and sometime you just need a little luck can't belive he made it thru

I would call it luck if he was holding a straight wheel, he was weaving and dodging like a mofo, front wheels right, front wheels left and front wheels right again, that was driving, making his own damned luck!!!!!!:eek:

[kaw500]

If he holds on, RG will get a top 20 just thru attrition . That would be sweet considering how bad the 7 car is today

He never really complained about the car but we all saw the #7 was not extremly competitive. Sounded like he was OK holding back waiting for the big one and avoiding it. Guess that worked so far. Much rather see him mixing it up.


Rooting huge for MM! GO ARMY

[kaw500]

I would call it luck if he was holding a straight wheel, he was weaving and dodging like a mofo, front wheels right, front wheels left and front wheels right again, that was driving, making his own damned luck!!!!!!:eek:

Yeah I thought E had him great piece of driving avoiding him.

[OldStroppeTeam]

LIttle help ?? Boris ?? Kahne ?? Gas on RG !!! Top 20 in site !!!

[OldStroppeTeam]

Rooting huge for MM! GO ARMY

YEAH !!! I"LL root for the old guys, like me !!!!!

[REEVESRacing]

Good Luck to Mark Martin!

Great having RG on the Scanner, ha top 20 thru Attrition...Announcer, "Daytona "Destruction" 500"...sounded loike he was ready to rumble @ 37 to go, crew chief said "remember the plan to finish the first 5"

[RGFan]

I believe Said and Kahne are 18th and 19th

[RGFan]

Good Luck to Mark Martin!

Great having RG on the Scanner, ha top 20 thru Attrition... sounded loike he was ready to rumble @ 37 to go, crew chief said "remember the plan to finish the first 5"

I hope that is the case, because no one is drafting with him either, since 37 to go, you start to see him go and who ever is behind him goes with someone else. That is when you need more car, he has not had it.

[OldStroppeTeam]

It's all on the table now !!!

[RGFan]

Top 20 thru attrition. Good finish. The car is going to need some body work after that final lap

[kaw500]

WOW The last 50 laps made up for the 1st 150.

RG 15th????

[RGFan]

FOX just posted him 14th, not to shabby Team Gordon. Now for the tracks that make up 60% of the season. Hopefully we will see some top 15's on the downforce tracks.

[kaw500]

Catch my breath what a finish. Big props to Mike Wallace for his 4th and last year I got see RG's 13th live but this year he drove his tail off getting thru those last 2 wrecks.

Great start to the year, nap time.

[JRod]

TOP 15 FOR RG!!! And the 3rd best Ford on the day- Very impressive driving to avoid all the wrecks- Some very close calls... Very exciting weekend- Not as impressive as Harvick, but to finish 11th/14th is just awesome- RG really showed maturity, patience, and best of all- Talent.

[green787]

They should have waved the yellow caution!!!!! Without the caution are the guys behind the wreck supposed to keep on racing....????

[Bricoop]

They should have waved the yellow caution!!!!! Without the caution are the guys behind the wreck supposed to keep on racing....????

Yep, pedal to the metal. No caution helped RG, but screwed MM. Would have liked to see MM win it. Also I was watching back in the pack about with under 50 to go looked like RG scrubbed the wall. Anyhow. 14th, great day for RGM beating out some top end racers.

Check that...Great Weekend for RGM.

[REEVESRacing]

wow what a finish!

Great needle threading by RG, he predicted those wrecks on the radio...

Really feel bad for MM, what a Class guy.

Enjoyed the last 50 laps, and all the comments here...Game On for the '07 Season.

[Jack]

When the wreck started, Mark had been passed then he came back and was passed again. I hated to see Mark lose, but it would be the same result for him ether way. But it was good for Robby.

[RGFan]

When the wreck started, Mark had been passed then he came back and was passed again. I hated to see Mark lose, but it would be the same result for him ether way. But it was good for Robby.

Yeah, they showed that on Wind Tunnel, Mark would have got second regardless. It sucks, I thought he was going to get it. If he kicks *** at California, look for him to maybe "extend his schedule". It is funny to hear the Mark Martin appologists come on and use absolutely zero logic with explaining why he should have won. The same argument they are using puts him in second place as well, but they say no, we do not care what the video shows, he won. "Solid Arguments" (that was sarcasm by the way).

[TrademarkTim]

man...what a finish. I hate harvick with a passion, but that was a good one.

What was the results for POS? I was going to look on nascar.com but realized what I was about to do and stopped myself.

[JRod]

man...what a finish. I hate harvick with a passion, but that was a good one.

What was the results for POS? I was going to look on nascar.com but realized what I was about to do and stopped myself.

He finished in 30th POSition

[JRod]

Just saw on NOL that for whatever reason, they have bumped RG back to 15th and moved Boris up to 14th- another repercussion of the mysterious caution that came at the end... whatever- Still top 15.

[RGFan]

Maybe Nascar needs to look at this pic

[JRod]

Maybe Nascar needs to look at this pic

Seriously, who knows what they were looking at? I have no idea what the rhyme/reason was- In the grand scheme of things, Said is only running a limited schedule, so let him have his one spot I guess... Logic is not something I am going to me naive enough to expect...

[b-makk]

Maybe Nascar needs to look at this pic

I think they threw the caution as soon as Harvick won so RG was behind Said at that point. All of the guys that failed to cross the line go to the tail end of the lead lap. Lucky for Bowyer, he crossed on his head and salvaged a top 20. RG was predicting those crashes.

[RGFan]

I think they threw the caution as soon as Harvick won so RG was behind Said at that point. All of the guys that failed to cross the line go to the tail end of the lead lap. Lucky for Bowyer, he crossed on his head and salvaged a top 20. RG was predicting those crashes.

Actually, Nascar is incorrect. Nascar said that the yellow was thrown as Harvick/ Martin passed the finish line. Boyer was not sideways as they stated, he was already upside down and the video shows that, RG was ahead of Said at that point. Bad call by Nascar, once again, another muffed up call. Whatever, this is not the first or even 20th time that Nascar has given RG the good ole shaft sans Vasoline

[kaw500]

I just listened to the NASCAR channel (SIRUS) on the way to work and oh my god you would have thought the world ended in the last 4 seconds of that race. Yellow flag or not I thought is was great theater to watch two drivers giving there all to finish and cars spinning behind, it got me out of my chair. Some of the callers really need a life but I guess that's Daytona it brings out the emotion.

All and all what a great week of NASCAR, loved all the controversy and racing was pretty good too.

RG will head to CA 13th in points, penalties to the 9 & 19 will move the #7 up.

[RGFan]

I just listened to the NASCAR channel (SIRUS) on the way to work and oh my god you would have thought the world ended in the last 4 seconds of that race. Yellow flag or not I thought is was great theater to watch two drivers giving there all to finish and cars spinning behind, it got me out of my chair. Some of the callers really need a life but I guess that's Daytona it brings out the emotion.

All and all what a great week of NASCAR, loved all the controversy and racing was pretty good too.

RG will head to CA 13th in points, penalties to the 9 & 19 will move the #7 up.

Good call, I forgot about the penalties:D

[b-makk]

I think the 19 will remain ahead of him because he only lost 25 points(?)
Mike Wallace and Boris Said won't be regulars so you can cross out their car points. Mark Martin won't be full time but his car will be. That puts RG 12th in the full time car owner points standings.
Yesterday, Robby & Greg were talking about "just finishing the first 5 races". Best strategy I've heard from them ever!

[kaw500]

I think the 19 will remain ahead of him because he only lost 25 points(?)
Mike Wallace and Boris Said won't be regulars so you can cross out their car points. Mark Martin won't be full time but his car will be. That puts RG 12th in the full time car owner points standings.
Yesterday, Robby & Greg were talking about "just finishing the first 5 races". Best strategy I've heard from them ever!

That's right on the 19, so many penalties hard to keep them straight. RG is in good postion going to CA needs top 15's & 10. Like RGM really needs me to tell them that:D .

[RGFan]

I would settle for top 20 finishes every week. BUt then again, who the hell am I

[kaw500]

I would settle for top 20 finishes every week. BUt then again, who the hell am I

You is a RGFAN and hell yes I'll take top 20's all year long too.

[b-makk]

Actually, Nascar is incorrect. Nascar said that the yellow was thrown as Harvick/ Martin passed the finish line. Boyer was not sideways as they stated, he was already upside down and the video shows that, RG was ahead of Said at that point. Bad call by Nascar, once again, another muffed up call. Whatever, this is not the first or even 20th time that Nascar has given RG the good ole shaft sans Vasoline

I don't think RG got the shaft; Martin got shafted! It doesn't matter who RG was in front of at the exact point when they finally threw the caution because all the guys behind Harvick/Martin are scored as of the previous scoring loop (excluding the guys who failed to cross the line - they're put to the tail end of the lead lap).

[REEVESRacing]

It actually was a great "Speed Week" and race.

Some great pics from the 500 on "Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32475211@N00/)."

Taken by Brian who is a photographer for the "St. Petersberg Times.

[mattb]

I don't think RG got the shaft; Martin got shafted! It doesn't matter who RG was in front of at the exact point when they finally threw the caution because all the guys behind Harvick/Martin are scored as of the previous scoring loop (excluding the guys who failed to cross the line - they're put to the tail end of the lead lap).

Is this true? I thought when they were under "Green-White-Checker" conditions, they score the finish of the race (when a caution came out) exactly at the time of the caution. Not the previous lap.

[Bricoop]

Is this true? I thought when they were under "Green-White-Checker" conditions, they score the finish of the race (when a caution came out) exactly at the time of the caution. Not the previous lap.

it is correct, except he said previous scoring loop. Their is dozens of scoring loops around the track. so it may have only reverted back 10 feet, who knows.

[b-makk]

A scoring loop isn't the previous lap, it's some point on the track like a start-finish line but only Nascar knows where they are. There's a bunch of them all around the track.
Here's a definition I found:
The instant the yellow flag is displayed NASCAR scoring now reverts back to the last scoring loop that the driver passed over before the yellow flag came out. These scoring loops are electronic devices that pick up the transponders that are attached to each car and transmits the exact moment that the car passed that line. There are typically a dozen or more of these scoring loops around the track. Computer software then compiles that data to compute the running order at any given moment in time. This means that when the yellow comes out the computer has already determined the correct running order based on the last time each driver crossed a loop. Given the number of loops around the track this data is never more than a second or two old.

[RGFan]

I don't think RG got the shaft; Martin got shafted! It doesn't matter who RG was in front of at the exact point when they finally threw the caution because all the guys behind Harvick/Martin are scored as of the previous scoring loop (excluding the guys who failed to cross the line - they're put to the tail end of the lead lap).

That is a conflict of rules, while what you stated is true, then their justification of the finish is incorrect. You can not have two cars already finished and regroup the rest at the last scoring loop. They are contradicting themselves. If you do that with one team, you have to do that with all 43, and that is not the case. Nascar bungled this one, plain and simple.

[mattb]

Thanks for the info. It seems to me that they should be able to determine exact location at time of caution these days though (via GPS). Not based on info that is based on some sort of info that may be a few seconds old.

[b-makk]

True, Fox has that GPS cartoon thing so maybe Nascar is seeing how accurate it is.

[JRod]

Even the best GPS units are only accurate to about 5-10 feet though right? The "finish" was closer than that, so I could see problems using GPS for finishes...

[JRod]

Espn is reporting on the SportsCenter replay that the race did end officially when Bowyer became airborn and flipped, in which case if you watch the replay, RG was actually ahead of Reed Sorensen when that happened, so I don't really buy put too much stock in any of this anyway.

[RGFan]

What needs to happen is use low tech rather then high tech. Why cant we have a camera pointing from the finish line towards the back stretch . A camera just forward of the finish line pointing towards turn 4 that went off when they pushed the button to turn on the yellow flag lights around the track, it would have showed us everything that we needed to know as far as finishing position.

[swiftracing5]

All I gotta say is that the Daytona commercials were better than the Super bowl commercials.

[spalind]

Looking at the "official results" 15th place and $268K in the bank...not bad for the weekend...Even better for Boris Said...pulled in over $300 between the bud shootout and the 500...SOBE better start ponying up to put him in some more races...

[b-makk]

Sounds like a typical weekend for me - $2.68 in the bank

[Hemp]

i was up in the mountains all weekend and saw the paper today and i could have sworn it said robby gordon got 39th place

but anyway im glad to see 15th

[Bricoop]

All I gotta say is that the Daytona commercials were better than the Super bowl commercials.

No doubt, nextel won my vote, with the rabbit in the helmet. An even better was Elliot Sadler trying to critique Jimmie Johnson, actually laughed out loud on that one(both times).

[JRod]

i was up in the mountains all weekend and saw the paper today and i could have sworn it said robby gordon got 39th place

but anyway im glad to see 15th

Musta been reading Waltrip Racing News...

[Bricoop]

New videos up at robbygordon.com

[AllwaysRcn]

All I gotta say is that the Daytona commercials were better than the Super bowl commercials.


I was saying that exact same thing Sunday..... My fav was the kid having trouble walking down the sidewalk (kept slipping). So he pulls into the shoe store for "right sides only"....

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I liked the Dale Jr/Mad Max one... And the Elliott Sadler/Jimmy Johnson/Nextel one...

[swiftracing5]

I like the fed-ex ones with Denny Hamlin in his free time. The one where he is doin donuts on the lawn on his lawnmower than starts bumping his neighbor:p

[b-makk]

I just love those wonderful napa commercials. Who is that hilarious driver in their commercials? He's so smart, funny, and popular that he must be an incredible race car driver, right?









Yeah right POS!!

[OldStroppeTeam]

I just love those wonderful napa commercials. Who is that hilarious driver in their commercials? He's so smart, funny, and popular that he must be an incredible race car driver, right?









Yeah right POS!!

Yeah dont mean that slimey , cheaten,employee burnin, excuse for a team owner.. OH.....and not a very good driver either !! Even his 9yr old daughter knows he's not that smart !!

THATGUY ??

Wasn't his brother a pretty good driver once upon a time too ?

[JRod]

I just love those wonderful napa commercials. Who is that hilarious driver in their commercials? He's so smart, funny, and popular that he must be an incredible race car driver, right?



Yeah right POS!!

Even the dripping sarcasm turned my stomach a little bit... Everyone wants POS to not make the races he gets in, but it's so much better when he humiliates himself and his sponsors by wrecking himself- and it's a guarantee he won't freaking be an on-air personality.

[kaw500]

I listened to the MM interview on SIRUS, what a class act. He's an example to anyone involved in any form of motorspots.

[kaw500]

Even the dripping sarcasm turned my stomach a little bit... Everyone wants POS to not make the races he gets in, but it's so much better when he humiliates himself and his sponsors by wrecking himself- and it's a guarantee he won't freaking be an on-air personality.

My friend just got back from Daytona that had a blast but told me that the crowd Boo'd MW any chance they got. Even he admited last night on INC that this his speedweek issues will not go away soon.

[JRod]

I listened to the MM interview on SIRUS, what a class act. He's an example to anyone involved in any form of motorspots.

No doubt- That guy is a stud. I'm glad he is deciding to stick around...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I guess they changed the rule but back when they changed the rule from racing back to the yellow... I thought is was you race back to the yellow ONLY when it is back to the checkered flag on the last lap... When did they change it to all yellows?

[OldStroppeTeam]

I guess they changed the rule but back when they changed the rule from racing back to the yellow... I thought is was you race back to the yellow ONLY when it is back to the checkered flag on the last lap... When did they change it to all yellows?

I think with the introduction of the "modern electronic scoring " last year, they are supposed to freeze the field precisely when the yellow comes out, no matter what lap...I seem to remember quite a bit of discussion amongst the disinguished panel of experts some time ago.

[Offspring]

I think with the introduction of the "modern electronic scoring " last year, they are supposed to freeze the field precisely when the yellow comes out, no matter what lap...I seem to remember quite a bit of discussion amongst the disinguished panel of experts some time ago.

Daytona had 5 scoring loops, lots can/does happen between two of them. And the commercials were very cool, but they will run them into the ground for the next 36 weeks, soon they will become invisible like the rest of them.