Kicking off 2023 with sad news in the motorsport world.
Ken Block Dies in Snowmobile Accident
An absolute legend in not just motorsport.
In F1 news, Next month should see at least three F1 teams launch their 2023 car... .
As well, alot more smoke on an eventual Andretti bid for a new team in 2024.
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Going to the Rolex 24 for a bachelor party. Will be the first IMSA race I've ever been to and the first time I've been back to Daytona since the 2020 500. Pretty pumped.
Dude, that is awesome. Are you going to stay the full 24 in the infield or just going for the start and finish.
Totally jealous, that one is on my bucket list.
I have no idea, I'll leave that to the bachelor lol
If the weather is nice enough you can just take sleeping bags in with you go up and find a nice quiet corner of the stands and lay down and sleep.
The 24 hour is fun for any auto enthusiast. Hope you enjoy it as part of the bachelor shenanigans. Sounds like a great time to me.
Would love to see Andretti join F1. Would really like to root for an American team, but Haas just doesn't look to be putting forth the necessary effort (read: funding) to compete. If Andretti joins, I really really hope they're going to have the budget to be competitive.
What smoke are you seeing, BingeLiving?
Recent tweet from MBS (FIA chief) about formalizing the expressions of interest process for new teams, combined with Andretti's plans for new headquarters in both the US and UK.
Idk, I seem to be competing ok in a Haas in F1 22, so I don't see why they can't do it irl
Andretti-Cadillac seems promising. It would be exciting, and GM should be able to provide some resources.
Hopefully this helps them become a series option for expansion.
I've been hearing rumblings that things might actually be moving in the right direction to get another team into the fold. With Andretti now potentially being the works team for GM forming what would obviously be the US entry into F1 (sorry, HAAS), this would explain that recent change in tune.
Wonder if this would spur Ford to exploring options with someone like HAAS or McLaren
Sadly, the response to this announcement over the last few days has been incredibly predictable. The bottom line is, between a strong desire to keep Formula 1 a European series and locking out American makers and teams and a strong desire for current teams to keep all of the money for themselves and not share with any newcomers, this is strongly unlikely to ever happen.
I think that's a bit of hyperbole here. Sure, there is some desire not to want to have their revenues decrease due to dilution, but I don't think it's as much a function of locking out American makers.
Just read an article from motorsport.com that is hinting that the GM/Cadillac involvement isn't so much of an OEM effort but more of a rebranding operation. From the article:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-f1-and-teams-are-still-not-impres...
When Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo exist in that exact same fashion already in F1, its rings hollow to suddenly be worried about Cadillac's intent now.
Also....
And
BBC: Formula 1: Andretti bid row reflects turbulent relationship among F1's powerbrokers
The Honda partnership is a BS excuse. The window to apply as an engine manufacturer for the upcoming re-reg is closed as I understand it, so any new team has to use an existing supplier. At least GM plans on taking on development of the engine at the next opportunity. And what's wrong with keeping Honda in F1 a little longer anyway? Their engine has won the WCC 2 years in a row.
Andretti+Caddy is the most attractive new team application since Ferrari in 1950 or—maybe—McLaren in 1966. The rest, like Mercedes and Aston, all bought existing teams.
Fair point. I'll admit, I was confused as to the level of pushback over Andretti joining F1. Still trying to figure this all out.
At the end of the day the other teams don't want to expand because they want to collect all profits on their own, and do not want to share.
From that same BBC article I quoted yesterday....
They just signed this agreement that set the $200m fee about 2 years ago. So to now see them wanting to triple it? They're just moving the goalposts to keep anyone else out. If the teams have their way, F1 will never expand again
I read about the agreement in the other article I read, but that one pointed out the explosive growth that F1 has experienced since the Netflix show has come out. If the $200m fee was supposed to represent a compensation for 5-6 years of diluted revenue based on pre-show F1 revenues, then I can see how if that fee were negotiated today, it would be much higher.
Then again, I'm sure that Andretti's push to join F1 right now is partially to do with the current $200m rights fee compared with current (and projected future) F1 revenue.
If they really care about money, they need quality racing and lots of fans. If they want those things, they should kick Williams and Haas to the curb and replace them with Audi, Porsche and Andretti. Williams is nothing but an investment vehicle for a private firm and a shell of the beloved team that Frank started, and Haas is nothing but screw up after screw up and a constant game of "will they be here next year?"
Imagine how much more money F1 would generate with those 3 teams and their loyal followers. Surely that'd be enough to make up for any dilution.
Protectionism is fine, but only if you have something worth protecting.
First Gran Turismo Movie Teaser Shows Off Lots and Lots of Race Cars
Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, Gran Turismo will premiere on August 11.
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Non-racing related question: What kind of bike is that in your profile picture? It's hard to see. Got a larger pic?
It's a 2007 Victory Hammer premium in Nuclear Sunset Tangerine paint (gold metallic flakes). I'm biased, but I think it was the prettiest factory bike made. Sadly, I no longer own it. 100ci/1638cc Oil-cooled 50° V-twin, belt drive. I applaud parent company Polaris' decision to resurrect the Indian, but to do so at the cost of killing the Victory brand in 2017 was a tragedy. I've talked to many Harley owners that switched and will NEVER go back...only met one or two that liked their Harley better! If you're considering a Victory, I can send you a pretty convincing "What you should know before purchasing a Victory" article.
Victory Motorcycle Club
2007 Victory Hammer in Nuclear Sunset Tangerine
Sucks about Block. Didn't realize he was 55, seemed like he was in his late 20's when he did the Gymkhana videos a few years ago.
Question: Has anyone been to the new garage fan area inside Talladega? Wife and I are generally with a large group that are skipping out this year and we have been everywhere that we can reasonably afford. Thinking about getting some of these passes with cheaper tickets to try the experience this year if it is worth it.
I briefly went in the fall last year (borrowed a pass from some people not interested in going) but for the qualifying session. Overall it was a pretty neat experience. Everything was pretty new and clean. You could get right next to the cars in the garage. Pretty large food court and everything is very reasonable priced. (domestics were like $3). I will say if your intentions are to go and watch the race you will mostly have to watch the TVs as you will get very limited track viewing from in there. Definitely the higher grand stands are the way to go to watch the race imo.
Yep. We usually sit up top near the start finish line and have had the tickets for years. We will keep them, just looking to try new things as well. Did the infield for the October race last year, and it was fun, but I can't keep up with that partying anymore and you can't seem much action. I figure you get some of the same feel while also getting TVs to watch the race and be close to the garage. Thought it may be a good change of pace since we go to both races per year. Of course, the suites would be the best.
Got it, I think I understand a little better now. Its definitely neat to check out, Maybe if they had like a 1 day pass it could be worth it, I just dont know how good the experience would be during the race itself. Last year was my first year and Talladega Blvd is......wild
I haven't done it, but likely would recommend something like Bill's for the Saturday race. Cup, you're gonna wanna be in the stands.
And the Boulevard is the biblical equivalent of Babylon...or heaven on Earth, depending on your mental state lol I'm taking my dad down for his 60th (he's taken me enough, time I pay his party) and I want my ashes eventually spread down there.
Basically, Talladega is the best humanity has to offer to aliens who want to party.
Netflix's Drive to Survive Season 5 release date announced: 24 February
It's Chili Bowl Championship Day/Night
Terribly unpopular take incoming: I am not a chili bowl fan. I know it's a huge deal in the dirt/sprint scene...just a little too close to the "just going in a circle" argument for me.
I'll tune in at some point, but it's just because I'm having a hankering for some racing lol
Things are starting to get cranked up...the Roar this weekend and the Rolex 24 next weekend.
Flying out at 5:17am tomorrow morning!
Have a great trip! The 24 is an amazing event. Remember, you have a Coke 600 and a half to go AFTER the sun comes up Sunday morning...
Have you consumed any alcohols yet?
I've had one or two, yes. It's not my favorite style of racing, but this is a pretty cool event.
BIG weekend ahead:
A little appetizer today:
The finish to LMP2...holy smokes lol to go for 24hrs and have it come to .016 is insane. Also, looked up at the scoring tower around noon to realize they were keeping up with the laps. They were at 730 at that point lol
Haas 2023 livery reveal
https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2023/01/31/nascar-outlaws-ross-chastain-mar...
Ross Chastain "Hail Melon" move outlawed in NASCAR. Figured that was coming earlier this off-season.
Yeah, good call. Surprisingly *some* levelheaded comments in the Nascar Instagram post. One in particular was basically like "yep. It happened, it was awesome. Doesn't need to ever happen again. Let it live on forever instead of that becoming a recurring thing" which I agree with. Was the craziest shit I've ever seen on a racetrack, happy it happened...now don't do it again lol
"The FIA has officially opened the application process for a new team to join the F1 grid by 2025 at the earliest" -ESPN.
*FIA/F1 officially flips the double bird to the Andretti family*
They opened it up for up to 2 new teams to join for the 2025 season.
Sounds like they're looking at both Andretti/Cadillac and Porsche to join at that time. And would help line up with the limitation on a new PU not being able to be entered until 2026, so it would give those suppliers (Porsche and GM) 3 years to get it right while their future works teams get a year to get their feet wet before its full steam ahead.
Sooo...in Gladiator, Phoenix' character would thumbs up/thumbs down on gladiators' lives at the end of bouts. In this instance, ol Commode boy would have his thumb at half mast? Got it lol
If Michael Waltrip smokes cigarettes, I saw him at a rest area yesterday morning (I-95 northbound in Jax; an hour north of Daytona). And if it wasn't him, another passerby had no trouble identifying whoever he is (was wearing a tide/bounty #32 shirt but was obviously not Ricky Craven)...big smile, short chat, big handshake.
Awesome to see it confirmed. Hopefully RBPT + Ford can produce a competitive engine. You'd have to think Honda is going to keep a lid on their IP.
So, if my math is correct, then we're looking at three potential entrants for the two openings on the grid: Ford, Cadillac/Andretti, and Porsche. This doesn't include Audi, who is planning on entering the grid via an existing team, having purchased a minority stake in Sauber.
In reading the above link, I notice that there is no mention of a new team in the press release. Is Ford looking to become an engine manufacturer/supplier for an existing team, like Audi? We know that Andretti/Cadillac is looking to form a new team. What do we know about Porsche's intentions?
The next 5 months should be interesting.
As BL alluded to above, Ford will be the PU supplier for Red Bull starting in 2026, announced today.
Red Bull livery designer must have the easiest job in F1 if these are the actual 2023 livery.
How does one become the livery designer for Oracle RedBull Racing? Because I'm clearly in the wrong field.
If it ain't broke don't fix it
2023 Williams FW45 Livery. Was hoping for a little more Gulf inspiration.
Loving the American Flag lid from LS!
That was such a tease of a reveal video.
They spent most of the time teasing a blue and orange color scheme due to the partnership with Gulf only to roll out a minimal tweak of last year's livery, down to the pink trim.
Sigh
I mean its not a bad look, but it could have been better, especially with Gulf. But given that McLaren never went that way, I'm assuming Gulf isn't willing to pay for the livery, just the logo.
Might've been a bit confusing with another car on the grid (McLaren) frequently sporting a blue and orange (gag) color scheme.
Ummm its not orange, its papaya, obvs
Actual Car Reveal
I enjoyed the Clash. I didn't think it was going to end about 30mins after the "halftime", but it did and it was good. Rumors going around that with Fontana going off the schedule next season for...well, nothing is set in stone, but more than likely a short track in the future...that the Coliseum mayyy be a points race next season. Personally not a fan of that...but I understand the importance of having the LA market. The "Teardown" mentioned one short track between LA and Fontana and another further away...though those are less likely to be added.
I wouldn't be a fan of it being a points race. Bad enough with the wreck fest that was after halftime like you mentioned. I understand their thought on trying to keep the LA market though.
The Wiz Khalifa show wasn't bad, and I enjoyed watching the crowd. There were some funny folks on there.
Yeah lol he was high as a damn kite in his pre race interview lolol Cypress Hill is just in a constant state at this point
Alfa C43. I've been a huge fan of the Alfa livery, but not sure how I feel about this.
SUPER interesting floor edge detail...Let the technical wars begin!
Love this guy's videos
This is getting rave reviews from most F1 fans (at least on YouTube), but I don't like it.
I'm genuinely surprised at how much I like the AT with a little bit of red.
2023 McLaren MCL60
Aston Martin AMR23. We are seeing some convergence. Downwashing sidepods (RB concept) + Bathtub (Ferrari concept) + Undercut (can't remember who started that)
Ferrari SF-23. What a damn good looking car. Nice evolution on last year. Notice some of the interesting ducts. And the front wing is I guess a legal version of what Merc tried to do at COTA but didn't due to threats of protest.
Really hope they stick with having "Ferrari" on the rear wing. Looks so good
Mercedes W14. All black. From the "zero-pod" to the "half-pod" with a nice gentle slope and tiny bird bath (not a full bath tub). Higher and more rectangular side pod inlet. Cheeky way to keep their front wing end plate design that was outlawed last year. Will be interesting if their new suspension design fixes the drag problem.
If I see another picture of an F1 car I'm going to scream!
Real racing - qualifying for the Daytona 500 - starts tonight.
/s
It's ok, the last 2023 car reveal is today :)
Alpine A523. I am whelmed.
Who y'all got tonight?
Going to Daytona is for nerds.
Busch Light drinking nerds!
There's plenty of that
They aren't drinking Busch light they are drinking Pineapple Natties and Trulys
TRUCKS!
tuned in on FS1
That was big...and it's really raining now...
Spitting rain again
More rain
BIG TIME rain
Malcolm in the Middle time
Man I love Daytona. I need to get back there for the 500 one of these years. You stay for the Busch race last night?
I had money on Logano 🤦♂️ not a Stenhouse fan, but happy for Brad...he's poured a ton of money and effort into teams over the years and is genuinely deserving.
I still won in a pick 'em league on Logano cause nobody had wrecky. I was surprised he made it to the end. If the final lap plays out I don't see the 47 winning. Very happy for Brad like you said, his team deserved it for what he has done over the years in the sport.
What was the line you had on Joey? That sucks you were that close to hitting pay dirt.
OT somewhat, but his new hair me confused the first time I saw him pre race until I remembered he does the commercials for hair growth and all now.
+1700 I think. Not a lot of money, but would've bought a nice steak dinner...better than nothing.
And yes, that championship money bought some hair plugs lol it's a shocking amount of hair
3 days until DTS Season 5 drops. Who else is doing a Season 4 rewatch?
Changing it to Nascar since it is back in season:
Rowdy wins at California for the last race there in the foreseeable future for stock car racing. I'm not sure how to feel about him now, but he has matured and was forced to be little humbled after the change to RCR. Pretty funny dynamic after the whole RC and KB stuff through the past decade. The RCR cars have great motors and Chevy seems to have put it on with the new car.
On to Vegas!
Some takeaways from Bahrain:
- Red Bull looking dominant as Verstappen and Checo finish P1/P2.
- Aston Martin looking good with a podium for Alonzo and Stroll finishing P6.
- Ferrari had good pace, albeit with engine issues (P4/out).
- Mercedes definitely off their normal pace, but still ahead of most of the midfield (P5/P7).
- Bottas still overdriving the Alfa Romeo (P8 vs P16).
- McLaren with big big issues (P17/out).
- Great start for Williams with Albon scoring points and Sargeant with a strong (for Williams) debut (P10/P12).
- AlphaTauri, meh. Haas, same ol same ol.
McLaren is shockingly bad. Its bad enough that they're slow, but they had sooooo many technical and mechanical issues over the weekend. Its appalling they had to keep pitting Norris, and combined with the issues Piastri had, you really have to wonder what the hell is going on in the paddock, because they've regressed massively the last 16 months or so.
Red Bull hasn't missed a beat. Ferrari looks to be as unreliable as ever, and Merc seems to have taken a small step back. Haas.... I liked their qualifying effort, will wait to see how they look in more races, because the issues with Hulk seemed to be contact related, so you can't fault them too much.
Aston came out of nowhere, and I'm so happy to see Alonso on the podium again. Would love for them to get him another win, everyone would love that. They are very much where McLaren should be right now.
Whelp, I guess NASCAR doesn't have as much pull in this thread anymore, but thought I'd try my turn at a rundown somewhat of last week.
Chase Elliott is out for a bit after he broke his tibia snowboarding. This can open the door to showcase other talent, and Josh Berry associated with Jr Motorsports got his chance at Las Vegas. He is supposed to fill in for the rest of the oval races until Chase is ready to return, with Jordan Tyler filling in for any road courses which should include COTA.
Las Vegas seemed to have it's moments. I've been to the track before, and the drivers love having the alterative grooves to run all day, but can lead to uneventful racing (ala Atlanta before the revamp). Penske did well to qualify, but seemed to fade hard in the race. Hendrick obviously was the cream of the crop this week although the aforementioned Berry had his struggles with the 9 car.
Logano got wrecked after going 3 wide with Keslowski and Busch, which I remember as hard racing but haven't gone back to see a replay. I think Logano had the run then came down, but Kes pushed the nose a bit as well. Either way one of the few non stage stoppages of the race. One of the few times we weren't seeing Kyle Larson or William Byron trading leading spots.
Almirola brings out the caution with a few laps to go. Sometimes I get stuck in the conspiracy of how this tends to happen to bring out the "exciting" finish. I'm torn, but makes me care less about opening parts of the race when it seems that a caution will come out toward the end to try and produce more views at the end when it is on national TV and not an alternate channel. I can definitely be wrong on my thoughts here.
Truex doesn't pit prior and is on old tires going to the final restart. Byron and his pit crew wins the race of pit road over Larson to get the outside position for the restart.
Byron goes on to pull into the lead on newer tires and wins at Vegas. If no caution comes out at the end, Larson wins on the better long run car.
The Liberty sponsorship of Bryon does have me root against him very often and am not a fan of any of the Hendrick cars. Byron is a funky story in NASCAR and how he got into racing as well.
On to Phoenix this weekend, which is also an amazing track to go to if anyone hasn't been. Rattlesnake Hill is pretty cool and just a fun track to enjoy out West as well.
Sidenote, I'll also be glad when Danica isn't in the booth. I get she has the ties, but most of her commentary I find not needed.
Disagree (respectfully of course). I've found her actually quite entertaining and I appreciate her energy in the booth. I think it is fun having her in there and she has good chemistry with Boyer.
Hey, I don't hate the disagreement. I understand you're point as well. I feel like it may shape out to be better, just at the point I don't love it. I knew I was going to put myself out there is opinions of the race and I'm glad I even got a response honestly. At least I know somebody read it!
Also, to pile on to this, I was unhappy to learn Stewart was getting kicked out of the booth for Harvick. I like Harvick, but thought the shuffle would've been different and Danica be the odd person out. I guess that is the full thought I had and should've expanded upon before.
Sometimes I get stuck in the conspiracy of how this tends to happen to bring out the "exciting" finish. I'm torn, but makes me care less about opening parts of the race when it seems that a caution will come out toward the end to try and produce more views at the end when it is on national TV and not an alternate channel. I can definitely be wrong on my thoughts here.
I believe you are wrong on your thoughts here. IMO near the end of the race all drivers are trying to get those extra positions. Points matter over the course of a long season. Also, near the end is when the tires are worn out, the drivers are worn out, frustrations are worn out. Well, you get the picture. This is when mistakes are made.
Thank you for your NASCAR race summaries. We are reading!
You're probably right looking back and having rewatched the end of the race again. I don't go to as many races as I used to.
It is a culmination of the new points system and me not watching as closely. That's why I enjoy the input here. Thanks for that. Definitely had me put it back in a different outlook.
I'm not of the mindset it needs to go back to the old way, but sometimes watch races that way and forget how much has been changing/progressing over that timeframe.
Sorry dude lol haven't been online a tremendous amount lately and missed the thread. Yeah, Vegas was the an all timer, but I enjoyed it. I listen to The Teardown nearly every Monday and was kinda shocked they were so disappointed in the racing. There were some incredibly long green flag runs, but that's not always a bad thing. And yes...Byron sucks. Hendrick drivers have always been caged up as far as showing any character...Jimmie Johnson being the most hated of that bunch. Byron makes Jimmie look like Tommy Lee lol
Phoenix...watching the Xfinity Series today (I know you can't take much from either and compare), it was slick out there. A lot towards the end was guys attempting to go 6 wide, which entertaining as it may be, is fucking stupid lol but I'm excited for tomorrow. Hoping like hell that they have figured out the "short track package"...last year was disappointing outside Bristol fall and Hail Melon, imo.
Had a rather random opportunity present itself to go to the 12hrs of Sebring next week. I know almost nothing about car racing of any kind, but I will be there in an RV from Wednesday through Sunday, so if anyone has ever done this before and has some recommendations on what to do/how best to have a good time I'd appreciate it.
I wish I had insight for you. All I can say is I'm jealous. I will try reaching out to see from some friends if they've been.
Done the Rolex 24 at Daytona. That was just a marathon if you try to drink and barely operate on sleep (I was early 20's at the time)
Hopefully the RV sleeps well and the folks you'll be with are fine sleeping with too. That is usually my thing is not being able to sleep and feeling groggy on long race timeframes.
https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/03/15/nascar-gives-hendrick-motor...
I listened to a podcast with Denny earlier this week mentioning Hendrick was screwed and he noted Kaulig had their louvers being looked at as well. Looks like he was correct with the largest team penalties ever being handed out. Chase Elliott doesn't incur any penalties since he is still recovering from his leg break.
Nascar making an example out of them...if it sticks. Still an appeal to go through. But that appeal won't likely be done before the crew chiefs miss a race or two.
I don't like the "kit car" feel of this iteration of car. Idk what the answer is to fix that. Would have to be a massive restructuring of the tv money to make that fly now.
Yeah, it seems that pieces are out of tolerance, and as you noted the "kit car" design is forcing into this area of modifying that is getting fought back on. The supply chain issues they're still having doesn't help when they can't modify parts that don't fit as well for certain cars.
I've still heard that everyone says Chevy cars are better fit for this car, which I haven't dived to deep into looking at why that is the case.
That restructuring talk has been ongoing, and I'm sure you've seen how it is progressing for the teams. Until they get off the sponsorship being so much of a force on each team to run the car they'll be up against the wall.
Phoenix race was pretty fun to watch last weekend. I don't have time because of work to do a full recap, but there were some exciting moments, and as other posters noted before the late race caution wasn't because of a conspiracy to create a GWC, but Harrison Burton spinning brought out a late caution.
Harvick was going to win the race on a long run, and showed why he can be dominant at Phoenix when he gets to wheel around that track. As a fan of his, I was "Happy" to see him get up front again. Last time I saw him there was in his RCR days and he just didn't have the car to win.
Hendrick has rocket ship cars right now, and their 2 tire pit stop strategy at the end helped secure Byron's back to back weekend wins.
Heading to Atlanta with the new track configuration. If the weather holds and work doesn't call me in I'm hoping to make it there to watch this one in person. My wife and I generally go to every race there and the new layout has certainly brought excitement and fans back out in droves to the track.
Also, I took some of y'alls thoughts on Danica and listened with a more open mind and am possibly coming around to liking her commentary more. The comment about her and Smoke while they were both driving and having to deal with that pressure on the track was fun/funny to listen to.
Between The Teardown and Dirty Air (Dale Junior's race recap podcast), you would've thought that was an awful race. Lot of turmoil up front? No. Good racing behind the top 10? You betcha. I think people expect Phoenix to be a legit short track. It's not and it never will be. But I still love that odd shaped gem in the desert.
Me and my wife are planning on going out to NorCal the Monday after the July race there and last night I got looking at tickets for that race and potentially flying out of Atlanta. It got shot down as soon as it left my mouth. Broke my heart.
I also enjoy that spectacle. They had to do something and they did. The crowd last spring was amazing...but I still cannot understand why they have race where it is on the calendar. So. Damn. Hot. It being a night race will help, but geeze.
LeClerc given a 10-position grid penalty for a new Electronic Control Unit. You're allowed two per season. They replaced one prior to the race at Bahrain, and the second one failed during the race. They're now on their third ECU, thus the penalty.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-confirm-charles-lecle...
It's a shame, too, because Jeddah is a track that should favor the Ferraris and their straight-line speed, along with high-speed turns and a much more forgiving track for tire wear. LeClerc would've been in contention for the win this week.
Not ideal, but at least now any new ECU's taken from this point for LEC will only be a 5 place penalty instead of 10 for this first one. Silver lining for Ferrari fans, I suppose lol.
I've always thought that F1 had this backwards. There should be a lesser penalty for the first extra part, and a greater penalty for additional extra parts. The more you violate the rule, the greater the penalty should be.
Interestingly enough, this was all put in place because of Honda. Their last go around in F1 (when they were partnered with MCL, IIRC), was such a mess reliability wise they lobbied for this to save face in the races those seasons and not be repeatedly put at the back of the grid.
That seems like an odd rule. Is there some sort of advantage that's gained by changing the ECU?
So you have a limited amount of each part of your engine you can replace. Otherwise the rich teams could just replace them every race and would have an advantage over teams that would have to run the same parts with wear. ECUs don't wear as much as other parts so you're only allocated two, most teams won't hit that.
Ok that makes sense. Kinda like a salary cap in other sports.
Correct. In addition, F1 recently imposed an actual salary cap of money the team can spend. It's supposed to help in bringing the front-runners, mid-fielders, and back-markers closer together. I'm not sure that it actually did that in terms of the outliers (*cough* Red Bull *cough*), but it has helped with bringing the midfield closer together, IM(ns)HO.
Quick thoughts on the weekend going into the final stage at Atlanta:
Trucks: ok.
Xfinity: complete shitshow. Austin Hill with a miraculous piece of driving to win.
Sebring: shitshow at the end. I'm new to IMSA...do they hang their hat on not having any lights whatsoever?
F1: no real surprises, even with Max carving the field up to finish 2nd.
Cup: hmm...maybe the last 100 delivers. Feel like they watched yesterday and said "we're not losing that much money today."
I was just saying that to my wife. We weren't able to go to the race but they saw the craziness of yesterday and now want to go single file on top. Nobody can see to gather up a lower lane. Hopefully it will come with 75 to go.
And Chaos Chastain. I see it as racing hard, but dang he got Harvick loose and never got out of him. Was hoping Harvick could pull the Polish victory lap with the 3 fingers again. Maybe in July.
Edit: after the replay looks like Harvick lost it. Either way they're actually racing and I foresee some more action to end the race.
Yep. Chastain's one sin was being much, much faster. Classic "shit happens" superspeedway racing right there. Earned or not, I expect him to see an early exit next week...unless he dominates, which is also possible.
His saving grace is Harvick admitting he did nothing wrong...shoutout the Harv.
15 years ago I think the 4 takes him out if they're close. Today time maybe not. Although he went after Chase hard recently. I feel like that was frustration boiling over as well but we will see.
I threw my hat through the yard, said bad words loudly, and wanted to do much worse. Brad did 99% of what he could. It was just that 1% that, if we're being honest, would've made the field a junk yard. Just painful. RFK is definitely making some serious speed, at least on Kes' end. Don't wanna jinx it, but I feel a win coming.
Bell moving early seemed to help the 22 get the room available to win. I was rooting on the 6 to win. He had the speed, but as he said in the post race and what you noted he was smart to not lay the block and wreck the field. Logano backing up to the 20 pushed him into the clear. I watched brad win in the 2 quite a few times over the years in person. They seem to have their stuff together this year. He's knocking on the door for a win.
After Saudi, this F1 season is shaping up to be an interesting battle for 2nd. Currently AM is a bit ahead, but Merc are said to be showing significant gains in their new direction back at the factory.
I no longer have faith in Ferrari to keep it interesting this season.
Ferrari is always going to Ferrari it up somehow. They're the Falcons of F1.
I guess I'll try my luck with the recap of this past weekend again.
Atlanta reconfigured the track to basically be a 1.5 mile superspeedway recently. I usually get to go to the race each year easily, but duty called and I couldn't attend. As Highlander noted, the truck race was OK and the Busch race was anything but a shit show. Josh Williams parked his car at the start/finish line becoming upset being told to come in to fix his car further. As his mullet flushed in the wind he waved to the crowd as if it was driver intros. He got a decent fine, but Denny Hamlin said he would possibly pay it which is cool.
On to the big race. Almost single file on the wall racing most of the first 2 stages beside Bubba Wallace getting booted out and wrecking early.
Joey Logano had a rocket of a car and dominated the main 2 stages of the race. After that, tires and pit strategy became a big part of the final stage. Guys taking fuel only struggled and eventually got loose and either fell way back or wrecked. My boy Harvick fought a loose turn with Chastain behind him and couldn't get it sorted out resulting in a wreck. Aric Almirola blew a tire in front of Kyle Larson resulting in a few others getting collected as well.
Going into the final stretch it seemed to me that Keslowski had the car to win but needed help to fend off the Toyota cars. In a surprising move to me, Christopher Bell went early and left Tyler Reddick in the dust as an affiliate. I thought they would wait longer and work together as team Yota. That move opened the door for many changes and Kes tried to eventually block the aggressor Joey in the #22. Joey took the top lane, scraped is brake to get an advantageous push from the 20 in Bell and got him in clear air to the win. Bad Brad could've blocked harder but admitted he thought he took enough air off Joey to stall him out. That was a clean finish that was surprising to me.
Kudos to Brad for the clean finish and his post race interview stating that it can be raced hard but clean to the end.
I think they're still figuring this track out and the Busch race scared the big boys from racing hard and wasting money until late when guys quit listening to radios and winning races talks. Nex week is the COTA. First road course of the season. Nascar changed the rules and added the choose line for them as well which I don't think is an advantage on road courses minus Sonoma.
Nacar youtube Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec4ZYbc1pQs
We have two former F1 champions and an IMSA champion in the NASCAR race at COTA!
And Gunther Steiner in the booth
JB had a great post-race interview
Anyone coming to Martinsville this weekend?
Was there last night, left after the lap 70ish red flag. Won't be able to make it over at all today (very sad). Gonna try and get down tomorrow around noon.
Last night was rough. Swing by tomorrow, we're in a different spot up on the hill behind the back stretch.
Yeah it was brutal. Glad I left when I did...not sure I could've made it, I was tired as shit going back up 220.
Man I am so sorry, I'm not making it over there. This morning has been hectic. Hopefully run into yall as we're walking in.
I have come to the conclusion that the meh/lackluster spring races at Martinsville is the tax we must pay for the awesome fall races at Martinsville. It's our cross to bear.
I've been so busy between work and getting ready for this weekend I hadn't done any sort of recap the last few weeks.
I'm at Dega this weekend, and as always the tailgate never fails. Race yesterday got pretty hectic with some wild crashes. Wasn't sure when it would finally end because of the overtime's, but Burton came away with the W.
Wife and I are doing the garage experience which was pretty cool to see the cars today pre-race. We have seats in the stands although it is nice to relax in the AC until closer to race time. Hopefully today has some good racing as well!
Super jealous. I want my ashes spread at Talladega when my day comes.
If you ever do go, let me know. We usually go to both races and try to figure out the best options for what folks enjoy track wise. We usually go to new tracks each year as well. This is one of the first years we are just sticking to Dega and Atlanta I think. We wanted to pull N. Wilksboro for the All Star Race but work and the logistics I think will be a nightmare there.
I have a few minutes during lunch to dry and hit a recap of last weekends race.
#1 for anyone who has never been to Dega, please put it on your bucket list, and I would be more than happy to assist in any way. My wife and I have done the infield, camper spots, free spots, etc and she has been going for 15 years+. We have seen the changes for the better or worse, but I still feel for a new person that wants an in depth experience this is the place to go.
We did regular seats in the grandstands, but also did the garage experience. It is a cold pass for the pits, but you can see the cars in the garage up close and personal as a hot pass person can if you take the time to get there early enough. Tailgating there still seems 2nd to none to me. I may be biased, but I've been to many tracks over the years and Dega still holds a special place in my heart.
To the actual racing. Jesse Love won the ARCA race, while Malcolm in the Middle aka Frankie Muniz took the points lead with a respectable 9th place finish. His 3rd year in the series he is showing signs of growing and putting his all into the series.
The Busch Series (Xfinity I guess) saw Jeb Burton take the checkered flag. There were some pretty nasty wrecks in this race and if you didn't get to see them, check on the highlights here: https://youtu.be/f7p1KY_JJz4. 2 red flags and a crazy tumble with the 02 Ollie's car. The way they have to draft with only being able to lock bumper to bumper for a certain time, it causes chaos and it was shown. They'd go 3 and 4 wide continuously prior to stage ends to make moves to head forward. Logano and Keselowski as the main guys helping commentating. It was a long race, and can't lie we left after the 2nd red flag to get back and eat before Cole Swindell put on a concert in the infield Saturday night (my wife is GA born and loves her some CS).
Sunday we got up early and headed in to see the cars pre-race. Something I forgot to mention about the garage experience is you have access to the red carpet intros they do, so was cool to slap hands with some drivers and if Harvick would've won I would've been at victory lane attached to there to enjoy the celebration.
The main race started off early with problems for the 34 of McDowell who just couldn't get going Sunday, but logged the whole race down but still made sure to grab his points. It seemed pretty uneventful to me with minimal passing until the stage ends for most of the race. Chase Elliott cycled his way to the front during green flag pit stops that the fans roared for as the crowd favorite took stage 1. He looked like he would take stage 2 as well but his main pushing guy from SHR Almirola in the 10 snuck by him for the extra point to end the stage.
The end of the race is where everyone got on the edge of their seat knowing something had to give. With 5 to go I believe, Joey Logano spun into the wall with help from the 7 of Corey Lajoie. The following restart, the melon man himself Ross Chastain (1) made a bold move to the inside to go 3 wide on Noah Gragson in the 42, and Gragson was late to block IMO. This caused another wreck that caused a large collision with Larson (5) and Ryan Preece in the 41. Everyone was OK.
This set up the GWC (Green, White, Checkered) where some drivers were unsure if they'd have fuel to make it to the end. Bubba Wallace (23) took the point in front of Ryan Blaney (12), and on the final lap Blaney went to make his move as Bubba attempted to block which is all he could do in that scenario. It caused a wreck in front of the whole field, and Kyle Busch (8) dove low to avoid the wreck. He was in 1st position going into the next points area giving him the win.
As always, Dega has plenty of cars torn up and some major excitement. Just glad nobody was hurt on such a crazy speedway. The width of this track allows more passing than Daytona, and the grip in a car there to make those sudden movements is unbelievable.
Now back to work after my recap/essay. I'm sure there are errors I'll have to edit later or just leave them for folks to enjoy.
Fixed it for you
He is a really cool guy. Met him once in the pits at Martinsville. He is a huge Hokie fan. I got his, Wards, and Wards Dad's sigs on a Tech hat. Just need to get Jeff now.
Thanks, I knew that, and that is definitely a slip up. Was caught scarfing down some food while typing but the Burton family as a whole is awesome. It deserved the mention, so thank you for adding that in!
Been lucky enough to go three times ('14, '16, and '19, all fall races). Camped coming out of 4 the first two and then middle of 1&2 in '19. 1&2 is certainly nicer (and pricier) and but 1&2 is a lot more fun (rowdy). We'll watch qualifying from the motorhome rooftop then always grandstands for the races. I'd go to Talladega over Daytona any day. Daytona, while awesome in its own right, just feels a little too...corporate.
Xfinity race was wild as hell what bit I got to watch. The Blaine Perkins flip was a big time old school flip.
Cup race was kinda meh. Appreciate some of them attempting to get a third line going. Chastain's move was aggressive, but nothing egregious. Gragson's first time there in Cup...pushing is a bit different.
The CW is putting out a "100 Days to Indy" documentary on Fridays. Episode 1 aired 4/27/2023. It can be streamed free with their free app.
If you haven't seen the movie "Lamborghini", it's excellent. Great scenery and soundtrack, good story and acting, moves at a good pace. I streamed it free on the free Crackle app. A must for car guys & gals.
New F1 sprint weekend format is trash. Old format or reverse grid are the way to go. There's little incentive to race hard, from 8th on back, esp with the cost cap. Unimpressed.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of the sprint race. I'm unsure how to fix it to incentivize the drivers to race hard, as it's the Sunday race that carries the importance. Don't think it's reverse grid, though, unless you have just one qualifying for both races. That would prevent drivers from tanking in the sprint qualifying. Still, I don't think you'll see a Verstappen charging through the field in such a short number of laps in order to grab just a few points. I just don't see how you can make the sprint race work.
Kansas absolutely ruled yesterday. That Hamlin-Larson battle to the end was amazing. Both on the edge of disaster for 20-30 laps. Simple Jack went after Ross and got popped, which was awesome. The cars looked terribly difficult to handle, which is the way it should be. Just a great race start to finish.
LeMans 24hr NASCAR stock-car entry
The Automobile Club l'Ouest let NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports enter a modified version of one of their Camaro stock cars to run the whole race. Through one day of testing, the car's quickest time of 3:53.761 is more than two seconds faster than any time set by a car built to the race's standard GT regulations.
Pretty quiet in here but understandable. Verstappen running away in F1, checo inconsistent, Ferrari can't get out of their own way most of the time, etc etc. Midfield battle between Aston, Merc, and usually 1 other have made for some great midfield races though. The sprint race (for once) was exciting with the wet to dry track.
So let's shift back to Nascar and how about SVG?! Man watching him on the streets the second half of the race in Chicago really showed his skills from down under. Other than that I feel like the race was a cluster of errors but not a ton of overtaking otherwise. A meh race aside from the very very cool storyline imo. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh?
Maybe the moral of the weekend is wet races are more exciting, but I think we probably knew that.
The race got a lot of pushback locally, and will likely get even more after today. Yes we got a record level of rain, but from what I've heard so far the fan experience was mishandled.
I've said it a dozen times already, but after this it's worth saying again... everyone should check out Supercars. SVG, Scotty McG, there's some real talent down there and the racing is intense.
Even if NASCAR bungled the experience this week, they really shouldn't give up on streets races. Watching yesterday and those stock cars handling a course like that was pretty cool, and I'm all in favor of letting that marinade for a few years as divers get used to it. The racing has potential to be really good with these cars, just have to give it a little time
I thought the racing was great. Was scared it'd get spread out way too far, but nobody could really ever get comfortable.
I've listened and read that NASCAR is still looking to expand the markets, so I don't see the street racing going away. I personally didn't mind the race, and it had interesting moments minus Noah Gragson continuously not being able to get turn 6 right.
SVG did a great job in showing that the new car isn't as different as some of the older models, and that he is a great street driver. He handled the new atmosphere well, especially with a whole new pit crew, crew chief, and different format than he is used to.
I would've loved to see it go the full distance. The shorter pit by some of the drivers trying to bank on the race shortening put some of the better drivers in the mid pack, but SVG found a way to get through it all and Larson even noted that in post race comments.
The wreck causing cars to get completely piled up was frustrating. That has to get fixed. And the way they determine who is "involved" in the wreck needs to be done better. Honestly that was the biggest qualm I had with the race was that point. It seems like NASCAR flip flops on this. I forget what race it was now, but earlier in the season, Brad, Harvick, and a few others were technically in a wreck but allowed to keep their spots, but then this race people were held up unless you were on the complete inside lane and drivers were basically penalized for that. They have to be consistent there.
Sorry for the longwinded response.
F1 this year is all about the battle for P2,3,4 in the constructors and drivers championships. It's an interesting development race with everyone trying to catch up to RB.
Thanks for bringing this thread back up. I tried to keep up with recaps earlier this season, but between work and home life I just got too busy. I do take the time to watch all the NASCAR races I can, but don't get to get on here as much during the busy summer months.
Don't know if this has been mentioned, But Frank has been named the Grand Marshall for the SRX race at Motor Mile Speedway on July 27th. It will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Legendary Virginia Tech Coach selected as Grand Marshal for major SRX Race in Pulaski
Well that was quite a return to form by McLaren, huh
McLaren and Williams are both bak
Absolutely great battle for P2 between NOR and HAM!
And ALB keeping 2 Ferraris behind?! *Chef's Kiss*
Word is breaking that deVries is out at AT and will be replaced by Ricciardo for the remainder of the season.
While I am happy that would bean Danny Ric is back on the grid, I can't help but feel bad that NDV is getting royally fucked by this treatment.
Idk. I see this differently than Gasly a few years ago. NDV is already 27 with years of racing under his belt. You put him in that seat not for upside or points, but because you expected him to provide consistent quality racing. What you've gotten is poor pace and plenty of accidents.
Gasly at RB on the other hand was young with upside and they knew he was a young driver with growing to do when they put him in that seat. Yet they didn't give him time to grow before they replaced him.
YES! He's baaaack. If he can get some decent results in the AT... does Checo's seat start to get a little warm?
The RB organization does not care about NDV. They never have.
But I think this is more about putting pressure on PER. If RIC can beat TSU in that absolutely terrible AT car, I can see RIC replacing PER next year. On the flip side, if TSU bodies RIC, maybe he's the real deal and replaces PER.
Perez should be out anyway. There is no reason why he should be so, so far off the pace from where Max is. Getting routinely beat by the Mercs and Ferraris, and now even the McLarens is a one way ticket out of town.
Well, I hated the way the rain shortened Atlanta race went down and work got in the way of me not being able to attend. I can say though, that with the teams not knowing when the rain was coming, they raced stage 2 like every lap could be the ending on, and it made for some good entertainment.
I listened to the guys on Door Bumper Clear, and they brought up the question of what if they ran shorter races on restrictor plate tracks to keep the action up instead of having possible lull moments. What says the TKP NASCAR fans?
Shorter race lengths make sense all the way around. Tv would like it programming wise, makes for less lull periods, better chance of getting races in, all that jazz. But if I'm going to Talladega (9hr drive) or Daytona (7ish), I selfishly wish they'd run 800 miles lol
Also, weather not looking great for New Hampshire either. Teardown guys said with the last two races (Chicago and Atlanta) being light/rain shortened, that it was the first time back to back races have been cut short since like 96. That's horrible luck. Buuuut...supposedly taking rain tires to NH. That could get very interesting.
It seems shorter race lengths would make too much sense so they won't do it. I know some of the older guys, I believe Harvick especially had said previously the only races they feel should be the full length are the Daytona 500, the Coke 600, and the Southern 500.
Rain tires at NH could be fun. I'm excited for the NBC broadcasts again. I may like Fox preshow better or it may be easier for me to access, but in race I tend to like NBC I think. Or maybe it's just a change of pace that I'm enjoying. If they could crossover some of the commentators that'd be perfect. The lobster race is one I'd like to get to.
I like FOX just because it signals the season is back, but they're wayyyy too goofy for me (and I love Joy, Waltrip, Bob...like em all, but a few less jokes, few more serious topics). NBC is cooler in every way.
Maybe this is what I'm thinking is that it is goofy. I never can pinpoint it during the race, and maybe during the offseason I just need to sit down and watch a race to see what I'm less excited about. As you said, FOX is king right now knowing they have the first half and you know they're bringing the season in.
I listened to a few things with the NBC folks that want to split the coverage of the 500 again. Not sure if that will happen or not.
Back to back P2 for Lando and back to back double top 5 finishes for McLaren? And they just did this on a track that they were openly saying they would struggle on?
Is..... is McLaren actually bak?
Their resurgence has been impressive.
Just watched the Hungarian Grand Prix last night. McLaren was looking really solid. I liked Checo's tire strategy starting off on the Hards and switching to Mediums; it put him on faster tires when he was looking to move up the field. And how about that 1.9s pit stop? Nice work, Red Bull!
The last month of NASCAR has been everything the higher ups probably could have hoped for getting storylines together for feuds and such. Denny not owning up to how he raced Larson is solidifying him as a villain right now with fans and it shows in the pre and post race from the fans. It's almost like wrestling style entertainment right now, and I'm ready to see short track racing as tempers are turned up. Should be hopefully a fun one to watch.
Will this finally be the week RB/Max don't claim the top step of the podium?
I was just thinking about posting this. The Red Bulls were in 7th and 8th after FP2, over 2/3s behind the Ferraris. I might still throw a flier of a bet at Checo, though, as last I saw he was at +1200 to win. He does like the road courses.
Edit: Good thing I didn't make that bet.
The F1 broadcast just opened with Enter Sandman and Crofty said "exit light, enter night" I'm taking this as a sign for today's game
Carlando 1-2
How can you not love that
It was tweeted by Max Papis then taken down. But apparently Sherry Pollex has passed after her incredibly long battle with cancer.
Will be an interesting rest of the F1 season if the RB issues this past weekend are due to the latest TD and not a one off track specific problem.
Was a great finish to the race with the Merc's double stacking and hunting down the front for the win.
The Race had a video that blamed it on high ride height of the car because of the unevenness of the Singapore track. Apparently, the floor aero works because the RB can ride lower than every other car, but if it's high it negates the whole thing.
Yea but Singapore isn't exactly an outlier in terms of track unevenness. Many other street tracks are just as bad if not worse. I've also heard because of the narrowness and walls it created floor sealing problems for them, maybe compounded with the ride height...
All seems a bit odd. Especially when you look into TD18 and it's relation to TD39 from last year, it kind of stiffens the regulations of the plank as they found some teams circumventing the regs and putting compressible material between the plank and the floor.
Next week in Japan will tell the whole story...
Based on FP1 and FP2, looks to me the TD had no effect.
Looks like Andretti might actually get admission to F1
Double podium for McLaren was awesome, especially after the way the year started for them. People gave Mika a ton of shit earlier this year for saying that team was close to a title, and honestly the way they are performing right now, I could see it happening within a couple years.
Yo, that's big news for the Andretti application. Very curious to see what dubious reasoning the other team principles come up with this time to argue why the bid shouldn't be accepted that isn't "we don't want to split our money more ways"
This is F1. I don't think they need another reason.
I sincerely hope this puts them over the edge to get their bid accepted.