Coke 600 Thread...

[Chris Tobin]

I didn't see a thread started for this race yet so here it is...

RG ran good in the open, and JJ struggled at Lowes of all places... Ky Busch could be a threat if his engine hold together...

Who do you think will win?

I would love Dale Jr. or RG to win but realistically I think it will be Edwards with his 4th of the year...:(

[Demp]

I didn't see a thread started for this race yet so here it is...

RG ran good in the open, and JJ struggled at Lowes of all places... Ky Busch could be a threat if his engine hold together...

Who do you think will win?

I would love Dale Jr. or RG to win but realistically I think it will be Edwards with his 4th of the year...:(

im feeling that gibbs racing used the all-star race to test some new motor packages??? maybe im wrong ... but did Smoke suffer the same problem as busch??

anyways..

Cousin Carl and JJ and Dale Jr. all looked fast! and i really cant pick just one .. soo im throwing my three out there .. cousin carl, JJ, Dale Jr. i know its a wide pick

[NIKAL]

Regarding the Gibbs motors, they had one of the Gibbs people on Sirius radio the other day. He was saying that Gibbs up to this point has been using TRD motors and they have not been running their own motors yet. Mark Conquest is the head guy in their motor shop and he has been working on a package since the beginning of the year and it looks as if in the next few weeks, Gibbs will be running their own motors and not the TRD motors. I guess what broke in all three cars was a rocker arm assembly. At first they thought it was a fluke bad part that was in Tony's motor. They looked at the #18 and #11 cars and both looked ok. But during the race both the #11 and #18 lost motors due to the same part. From what they said was the good news is all 3 cars had the same problem and they know exactly what happened to cause it. So it a fixable issue.

What I find interesting is the fact that Gibbs has been running the same power as the other Toyota teams this year. I thought that maybe one of the reasons Gibbs has been so much better then the other Toyota teams is the fact that they were building their own motors and they had better power. I guess not! Knowing that Gibbs has had the same motors as MWR, BDR and RB it's got to make Toyota wonder what these other teams are not doing. MWR has got to be sweating it knowing that he was the flagship team for Toyota and 2 years into the program he is no farther along then when they started.

[Chris Tobin]

Regarding the Gibbs motors, they had one of the Gibbs people on Sirius radio the other day. He was saying that Gibbs up to this point has been using TRD motors and they have not been running their own motors yet. Mark Conquest is the head guy in their motor shop and he has been working on a package since the beginning of the year and it looks as if in the next few weeks, Gibbs will be running their own motors and not the TRD motors. I guess what broke in all three cars was a rocker arm assembly. At first they thought it was a fluke bad part that was in Tony's motor. They looked at the #18 and #11 cars and both looked ok. But during the race both the #11 and #18 lost motors due to the same part. From what they said was the good news is all 3 cars had the same problem and they know exactly what happened to cause it. So it a fixable issue.

What I find interesting is the fact that Gibbs has been running the same power as the other Toyota teams this year. I thought that maybe one of the reasons Gibbs has been so much better then the other Toyota teams is the fact that they were building their own motors and they had better power. I guess not! Knowing that Gibbs has had the same motors as MWR, BDR and RB it's got to make Toyota wonder what these other teams are not doing. MWR has got to be sweating it knowing that he was the flagship team for Toyota and 2 years into the program he is no farther along then when they started.

I thought Gibbs was running thier own motors also... Good post!

So who do you think will win?!?!?!

[NIKAL]

I think we will see either Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart or Kyle Busch win the 600. Then again its a long race and motors lasting might be what decides who wins this thing.

[michael_loomis]

I also read that the Gibbs motors had some new test parts in them including the rockers for the all star race.. I guess the rules are softer since its not a points race?

BTW.. I know I mentioned the dog legged setups before, but have you noticed how drastic crews are geting with it, including RGM?

[Ryan_P]

I also read that the Gibbs motors had some new test parts in them including the rockers for the all star race.. I guess the rules are softer since its not a points race?

BTW.. I know I mentioned the dog legged setups before, but have you noticed how drastic crews are geting with it, including RGM?

Motors were entirely from JGR, and used experimental parts. Not illegal parts, just different from those being used on the TRD engine package.

The "doglegged" setups may be coming to and end. I heard/read somewhere that John Darby is sending out a memo to teams telling them to cut it back. They are upset because some teams have pushed the envelope too much, as some cars wont even roll straight onto the scales during inspection. It seems thats the only way to make those cars turn on 1.5 mile tracks.

I'm going with Biffle for the win. He's due and has had good cars lately.

[michael_loomis]

thats kinda my point.. if it were a points race, the "experimental" parts would have been "illegal" parts, or if found during an inspection for a points race, would have been docked points, cash and a crew chief suspension. thus making the all star rules a bit softer. :D

crazy.. I wonder how they will gauge the amount of offset the teams run, as i'm sure they are even worse under load out on the track that just rolling around the garage.

Biff seems like a good pick.. It would be nice to see RG in the top ten at a non superspeedway.

[Ryan_P]

Illegal or not, when they were running, those motors were unbelievably fast. Toyota isn't taking baby steps; JGR has helped them tremendously and are now a contender every week. Kudos to Toyota.

RG had a good test at Lowe's, and his times during the Showdown and practice were fast too. He has a capable car of putting it in the top-10 if everything goes well.

[Chris Tobin]

I also read that the Gibbs motors had some new test parts in them including the rockers for the all star race.. I guess the rules are softer since its not a points race?

BTW.. I know I mentioned the dog legged setups before, but have you noticed how drastic crews are geting with it, including RGM?


Motors were entirely from JGR, and used experimental parts. Not illegal parts, just different from those being used on the TRD engine package.

The "doglegged" setups may be coming to and end. I heard/read somewhere that John Darby is sending out a memo to teams telling them to cut it back. They are upset because some teams have pushed the envelope too much, as some cars wont even roll straight onto the scales during inspection. It seems thats the only way to make those cars turn on 1.5 mile tracks.

I'm going with Biffle for the win. He's due and has had good cars lately.


according to Jayski the new rule has been announced and will go into effect at Dover...

Was 2-degrees now it is 1-degree at the rear, but I would say that the way the cars have looked going down the straights and pit road they are/were using much more than 2-degrees!!!:eek:

here is the info from jayski:


'Crabby' cars may be scaled back by NASCAR UPDATE:: Expect NASCAR to tell Sprint Cup teams that they've gone far enough - and in some cases, too far - with making crooked cars. Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said Saturday that teams will get a memo, likely this week, telling them to "clean up" the way they're turning their wheels to help the cars handle better. "They need some of that, but there are some of them that have pushed it," Darby said. The rear wheels on some of the cars were turned to the point that some were having difficulty being pushed onto the scales used in inspection.(Charlotte Observer)(5-18-2008)
UPDATE: NASCAR sent a memo to Sprint Cup teams this week putting a limit on the amount of rear adjustment being made to create more sideforce. The adjustment basically has the back tires turned to the right with a rear toe adjustment, allowing the car to enter the turns with more speed. It's not visibly noticeable on the turns, but on the straightaways the car appears to be crabbing down the track sideways. Darby said teams have been adjusting the rear end in excess of two degrees. NASCAR limited the adjustment to one degree.(ESPN.com)m this rule takes effect as of the race at Dover next weekend.(5-22-2008) Comment here

and the link:
http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#crab

[michael_loomis]

nice.. whos gonna be the first to develope a system that straightens itself out down the straights under power and hits about 3 degrees coming into the corners off the gas?

and too me it seems to giving the outside rear tire some toe out entering the turn, thus helping the car roll thru the turn, more so than actual side down force, but I really know nothing about pavement setups. :)

[NIKAL]

thats kinda my point.. if it were a points race, the "experimental" parts would have been "illegal" parts, or if found during an inspection for a points race, would have been docked points, cash and a crew chief suspension. thus making the all star rules a bit softer. :D

crazy.. I wonder how they will gauge the amount of offset the teams run, as i'm sure they are even worse under load out on the track that just rolling around the garage.

Biff seems like a good pick.. It would be nice to see RG in the top ten at a non superspeedway.

From what I understand even the Shoot Out has to follow the same NASCAR rules applied for the rest of the races. So any parts Gibbs might have used were not illegal. They still had to pass pre and post inspection. From what they are saying is that the design or brand of part was different then what they had used before. The Toyota motors are different then the Chevy's that Gibbs used to run. So I bet their looking towards valve train and heads. And yes the Shoot Out is a great race to try new combo's of parts and set-ups. I bet most if not all teams were trying different motor packages as if you blow up your not out any points. RG used to get DEI experimental stuff when he was running their motors.

[Chris Tobin]

nice.. whos gonna be the first to develope a system that straightens itself out down the straights under power and hits about 3 degrees coming into the corners off the gas?

and too me it seems to giving the outside rear tire some toe out entering the turn, thus helping the car roll thru the turn, more so than actual side down force, but I really know nothing about pavement setups. :)

Yes and they will gust blame it on warn bushings that were on the car...:eek:

[michael_loomis]

From what I understand even the Shoot Out has to follow the same NASCAR rules applied for the rest of the races. So any parts Gibbs might have used were not illegal. They still had to pass pre and post inspection. From what they are saying is that the design or brand of part was different then what they had used before. The Toyota motors are different then the Chevy's that Gibbs used to run. So I bet their looking towards valve train and heads. And yes the Shoot Out is a great race to try new combo's of parts and set-ups. I bet most if not all teams were trying different motor packages as if you blow up your not out any points. RG used to get DEI experimental stuff when he was running their motors.


so expirimental to JGR, not necessarily Toyota Cup motors?

[RGFan]

RG used to get DEI experimental stuff when he was running their motors.

Alot more then he wanted.

[Bricoop]

Alot more then he wanted.

I was at CA in the pits a couple of years ago. I remember how PO'd he was about running out of fuel two laps sooner than Jr.

[RacingOne]

Practice Report

The first practice for Sunday's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway concluded today at 4:30 p.m. and Robby Gordon was satisfied with his practice efforts, which were predominantly qualifying runs like most of the other cars.

"We ended practice 23rd quick which I am pretty happy with. Our team is working with the same primary car and set up that we had for the test as well as the Sprint Showdown. We go out 29th for qualifying and I think that you will see the Jim Beam Dodge start in the top-five for Sunday's race," Gordon stated as he anxiously waits for qualifying to begin tonight at 7:10 p.m.

[JRod]

Top 5 Prediction?.... I would be thrilled with a top 15 based on Q'ing history... Even a top 20 start could/should end up a top 10 finish on Sunday with as fast as RG looked last weekend...

[RGFan]

Kahne was provisional pole until spoon chest just knocked him off, Kahne is now second with Sadler 5th.......Lets hope for a top 15 start

[RGFan]

RG 17th after 30....Better then 30 something

[Combo]

So much for the Top 5!!

[Mike @ pit b]

I hope Dale jr.

I would like RG.

But it's more likely a Hendrick car. Just a powerhouse team.


Just my picks.

Mike

[spalind]

RG starting 22nd...pretty good for him...3 Dodge's in the top 9 and 7 in the top 22...so looks like they should be up for a good run...

[RGFan]

Hoping for a top 15.

[Bricoop]

My money is on KB, KK, and the field.

[kaw500]

RG on the 11th row, one step at a time. Just wish he could do a 500 mile warm up before the 600.

[RGFan]

RG on the 11th row, one step at a time. Just wish he could do a 500 mile warm up before the 600.

Doesn't Nascar and the IRL realize that they lost fans by doing this.....Even if it is only acouple of million fans, people who normally would not watch Indy and would watch the 600 were watching both, the people who were not watching the 600 but would watch the 500 were watching. This was a win win for both and they ruined it over a pissing contest between the two series. The excuse Indy gave about wanting to improve the viewership on the West Coast was BS.......Hey, I am a west coast guy and had no problem watching the race at 9 am instead of 10 am. The fact that nascar would not bump back the starting time by 1 hour was just as bad. Just my opinion.

[RGFan]

Did Nascrap practice today?

[Combo]

Did Nascrap practice today?

No track activity today. Practice Sat morning at 11:45 am AZ time.

[RGFan]

Good, I will be back in AZ tomorrow morning.......In Houston tonight...YOu know what they say about Texas......It is true

[kaw500]

The longest day of race spectating continues. London Broil on the Bar-B-Que and RG now starting on the 10th row.

[Combo]

Steaks on the grill for me!!

[JRod]

what time does the green flag drop?

[Combo]

what time does the green flag drop?

15 mins ago.

[JRod]

great, time to speed home to the inlaws...

[b-makk]

everybody gonna wait for the final 100 laps to post? Too long to post the whole way through...

[kaw500]

everybody gonna wait for the final 100 laps to post? Too long to post the whole way through...

40 laps in a whole 10% thru

Shame Klyle is having issues:rolleyes:

Rg 19th running a little warm. Air pressure adj on 1st pit lap 47

Long day into long night

[kaw500]

Good 1st pit for RG staying 18th.
Time for a nap

[DanDan]

RG hits the wall. D*#n!

[Combo]

Is he still on the lead lap?

Nevermind

[NicksTrix]

doesn't appear to be one of the 3 "scheduled" races rg planned to win this year. brings the first caution out. it's going to be a long night.

the cream is starting to rise

[DEZERTSUB]

Does it seem to anyone else that NASCAR just isn't as exciting as it used to be??

By the way, count on that #48 winning.:D

[DEZERTSUB]

RG just bumped Juan Problem Montoya and spun him out.....cool!!!

[DanDan]

RG up in smoke. :(

[kaw500]

Thats that

[DanDan]

Somebody gets a neat souvenir. Vickers tire and wheel minus the center.:D

[kaw500]

Something needs to go right soon on the #7 or RG will be on the other side of the top 35.

[DEZERTSUB]

Somebody gets a neat souvenir. Vickers tire and wheel minus the center.:D

Talk about a money maker on Ebay!!!!! I wonder if they'll give it back to the people where it ended up??? I'm sure the team is gonna want it back to inspect it....

[DanDan]

Talk about a money maker on Ebay!!!!! I wonder if they'll give it back to the people where it ended up??? I'm sure the team is gonna want it back to inspect it....

Vickers just said that "they" took the tire and wheel and he was going over with some nice stuff for the people that had it.

[RGFan]

They (Nascar) just got the tire back....Man it is such a shame seeing RG waste his talents with an underperforming team week in and week out. Before you guys start throwing tomatoes at me, I am not saying those guys do not work their arses off or that they are not bright, talented individuals. But the bottom line is the bottom line.......They are not getting it done, RG included. Just a shame seeing him waste his best years finishing 20 and 30 something when he could be driving for a contender and be in the hunt for wins and Championships on a more regular basis.

[DEZERTSUB]

They (Nascar) just got the tire back....Man it is such a shame seeing RG waste his talents with an underperforming team week in and week out. Before you guys start throwing tomatoes at me, I am not saying those guys do not work their arses off or that they are not bright, talented individuals. But the bottom line is the bottom line.......They are not getting it done, RG included. Just a shame seeing him waste his best years finishing 20 and 30 something when he could be driving for a contender and be in the hunt for wins and Championships on a more regular basis.

Which is exactly why I've been saying for a while:
A. He needs to drive for a big team, Childress, Hendricks, Gibbs...
B. He should come to the realization that you can't get er done on your own, hence my first statement.
C. If he doesn't drive for a major team, he'll have more of the same.

[OldBroncosRule.Com]

They (Nascar) just got the tire back....Man it is such a shame seeing RG waste his talents with an underperforming team week in and week out. Before you guys start throwing tomatoes at me, I am not saying those guys do not work their arses off or that they are not bright, talented individuals. But the bottom line is the bottom line.......They are not getting it done, RG included. Just a shame seeing him waste his best years finishing 20 and 30 something when he could be driving for a contender and be in the hunt for wins and Championships on a more regular basis.

I couldnt say it better myself. This is how alot of RG fans feel but dont want to hear it..(me included) why...? Because "we'll get 'em next week" !!! and then 5 years go bye, then your carreer is nearing the end and shoullda woulda coulda.

Its totally frustrating.:confused:...he needs to go with a winning team ...or to open wheel....because there is not a better driver out there,

[RGFan]

I honestly wish he would have ran Indy instead today....That place was packed to the gills, first time in years. Good to see

[OldBroncosRule.Com]

I honestly wish he would have ran Indy instead today....That place was packed to the gills, first time in years. Good to see

The merger helped....BIG TIME~

[kaw500]

I guess being the owner/operator is done for ever. What a story it could be but its never going to happen. RG's best years were in the 31 and chasing windmills is getting tough to watch. Sara Fisher was the other owner/driver today and she did not see the checkered, not all her fault.

Two road course races are RGM's best hope to run up front, oh yeah I will have my #7 displayed, maybe there is still one left for the owner/driver.

[kaw500]

Is Kyle Busch really this good????????

[DanDan]

Whats the deal with KK? Is RG in similar equipment?

[DEZERTSUB]

Does it seem to anyone else that NASCAR just isn't as exciting as it used to be??

By the way, count on that #48 winning.:D

OK, I was wrong. Let me have it....
(but remember...RG will be scored as finishing 43rd while JJ will be scored as 38th...so don't be too mean!;))

[kaw500]

OK, I was wrong. Let me have it....
(but remember...RG will be scored as finishing 43rd while JJ will be scored as 38th...so don't be too mean!;))

Now that you mention it, oh yeah I'm an RG suppoter, never mind:D

[RGFan]

OK, I was wrong. Let me have it....
(but remember...RG will be scored as finishing 43rd while JJ will be scored as 38th...so don't be too mean!;))

I wonder what Rick Hendrick is thinking right about now, with Kyle Busch just dominating no matter what he gets into....Trucks, Nationwide, Cup........I think he finally has figured stock car racing out. All of that BS about him testing F1 cars (another publicity stunt) I would like to see how he could do. Those Fox guys talking about Kyle running in third like he is running 25th LOL

[DEZERTSUB]

I wonder what Rick Hendrick is thinking right about now, with Kyle Busch just dominating no matter what he gets into....Trucks, Nationwide, Cup........I think he finally has figured stock car racing out.

Right you are my friend, right you are.
I said several years ago: "that kid is so full of raw talent, if he can ever harness his abilities and not let his attitude get the best of him, he has several championships coming his way"

Looks like he might get three this year!:eek:

[DEZERTSUB]

At least the finish was somewhat interesting....

[RGFan]

Can't say GEM does not have their stuff together

[DanDan]

Can't say GEM does not have their stuff together

Exactly! What is RGs problem?

[kaw500]

Well the longest day ends
Monaco rocked
Indy is looking up
RG slide continues

[RGFan]

Well the longest day ends
Monaco rocked
Indy is looking up
RG slide continues

Yes it was a long day, it took my wife getting uspet to finially remember that this was my one day a year where all I do is watch racing....Once the light turned on, she laughed and walked away. Indy was very good and will only get better. The 10 or 11 good teams will be closer to 20 by next year with the new car.

[Mot51560]

Any thoughts on the Dale Jr. non-penalty call. I know if that was Robby he would of been penalized.

[kaw500]

Any thoughts on the Dale Jr. non-penalty call. I know if that was Robby he would of been penalized.


He never got penilized for speeding in the pits?? I just assumed he had.

[Mot51560]

They penalized him a lap for speeding past safety workers then recinded it.

[Tristar Racing]

Robby got a gift too when they threw the caution when he brushed the wall.

[b-makk]

Yup, they needed a caution so they gave one to Robby. The fans needed to piss!!

[Offspring]

I guess being the owner/operator is done for ever. What a story it could be but its never going to happen. RG's best years were in the 31 and chasing windmills is getting tough to watch. Sara Fisher was the other owner/driver today and she did not see the checkered, not all her fault.

Two road course races are RGM's best hope to run up front, oh yeah I will have my #7 displayed, maybe there is still one left for the owner/driver.

I guess we can hope he falls out of T35 then the team is worthless, sell off assets then go find a driving job...

[Tristar Racing]

He will win a race this year. The cars are starting to look more competitive, much like they did in the early part of the 06 season. Things are looking up even though the results have not shown that.

[RGFan]

He will win a race this year. The cars are starting to look more competitive, much like they did in the early part of the 06 season. Things are looking up even though the results have not shown that.

THis is nothing like 06, He was closing the deal in 06......For part of the season anyways. This has been the worst season since 05 realistically. People can talk about oh he is faster, blah blah blah, but he was fast at times last year, he was fast with Chevy, he just can never close the deal, at all this year and consistantly others. Winning a road course race every year is not progress IMO, that is expected. This team works is arse off and there are some bright guys out there, but it just is not enough. The points speak for themselves.

[michael_loomis]

Does anyone know if the motor they (RGM) ran this weekend is the one that overheated last weekend?

I cant for the life of me see them taking that kind of gamble, but it sure did expire early.

[Ryan_P]

Does anyone know if the motor they (RGM) ran this weekend is the one that overheated last weekend?

I cant for the life of me see them taking that kind of gamble, but it sure did expire early.

I remember reading a press release saying that Dodge was going to phase in a new motor sometime this summer. Could this have been the new package?

I think it was just a fluke deal, but once again, bad luck strikes the 7 team.

[DEZERTBOUND]

Does anyone know if the motor they (RGM) ran this weekend is the one that overheated last weekend?

I cant for the life of me see them taking that kind of gamble, but it sure did expire early.

That was my first thought....I will be putting NASCAR on tape untill the next road-course.

[Tristar Racing]

THis is nothing like 06, He was closing the deal in 06......For part of the season anyways. This has been the worst season since 05 realistically. People can talk about oh he is faster, blah blah blah, but he was fast at times last year, he was fast with Chevy, he just can never close the deal, at all this year and consistantly others. Winning a road course race every year is not progress IMO, that is expected. This team works is arse off and there are some bright guys out there, but it just is not enough. The points speak for themselves.


Seriously? Last year was by far the worst for RGM. Do you remember the COT races where Robby was by far the slowest car on the track? He has had competitive setups this year, especially lately with the crew chief change. 07 was awful, he realistically should not have been in the field for some of those COT races.

[RGFan]

Seriously? Last year was by far the worst for RGM. Do you remember the COT races where Robby was by far the slowest car on the track? He has had competitive setups this year, especially lately with the crew chief change. 07 was awful, he realistically should not have been in the field for some of those COT races.

Yeah seriously, you can talk about how fast he is all day long with occasional lap times, but the stats speak for themselves.......Average finish is lower, percentage of laps completed is lower, average points standing is lower, the only stat that is up is starting position. Stats talk and BS walks my friend.;) I hope it changes but see no reason why it will significantly. This is the second lowest stats season to date since he began driving for RGM in 2005. Not trying to start anything, just heard all of this talk before, heard it in 06 with Erwin. Look where we are at now. He needs to drive for a top notch team if he wants to be competetive.....Bottom line

[Bricoop]

Does anyone know if the motor they (RGM) ran this weekend is the one that overheated last weekend?

I cant for the life of me see them taking that kind of gamble, but it sure did expire early.

Completely different engine. All star engine made way more power(it didn't need to last 750 miles). Smacking the wall and the early overheating didn't help it either.

[b-makk]

He needs to drive for a top notch team if he wants to be competetive.....Bottom line

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!