Category: Z Archive

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California… Don’t the commercials for tourism show a kind of laid back attitude…?

Not at Fontana on race weekend!

Racing was on the level for the bulk of it. Commentary during the race brought out some of the Twitter tension from Bristol as Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano raced close ar points earlier. That all came to a head in the final laps as the two were up front and trading spots. Hamlin went on the outside and got around. Logano went low. Side by side. Logano’s tires were not as fresh. The #22 got loose on the side draft, touched the #11, and put Logano back against the wall and Hamlin shot towards the infield wall. The jolt shook the #11 into the air and around. Denny Hamlin was out of the car afterward without assistance but was immediately place in medical care for back pain.

The latest news from Joe Gibbs Racing is that Hamlin is still in the hospital, alert and being checked further for back issues.

Logano was able to cross the line with a rear damaged #22 for third behind Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Was the wreck a follow up to the tensions that ran through Bristol or a result of two drivers pushing for the win? (more…)

Formula 1, Malaysia. Rain and a wet track started the day. The indication was the rain would fade and the track would dry. The team strategists began their plan for tires. Wet tread to start, let the track dry out, trade over to slicks, hard, soft, medium…

The pre-race planning was likely a discussion of just that. Control the tires and control the race. It worked well for Red Bull, finishing up one and two with Mercedes grouped together at three and four.

The post race discussions were likely a bit intense. Formula 1 showcases the top of the pyramid for technology and speed. At this level, you might expect the brightest and the best to be at the front lines.

Perhaps not…

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari were the first to show off some less than average thinking. (more…)

Can you put a phone into the wall? Is it possible to bump a smartphone and send it spinning around?

We may find out. The phones of Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin traded a few scuffs following some contact at Bristol.

Joey attempted to confront Denny, still in the FedEx #11, but some team folks were there to push him aside. It seems Logano was none too happy about on track bumps that sent his Pennzoil #22 around and tailing the wall.

It is Bristol… There are going to be some bumps…

Logano, However, didn’t see it as “just another bump” and attempted to clarify the contact. That plan did not play out well… (more…)

Tony Stewart.

Sprint Cup, Nextel Cup and Winston Cup champion. He holds an IndyCar championship. He holds Midget and Sprint car championships. He owns his own racing team. He owns race tracks. He has had his share of run-ins with NASCAR, media and other drivers.

Beyond any of that, he is a likeable guy. His composure at Daytona following the Nationwide race was nothing less than humble and genuinely concerned for the fans involved in the front stretch mayhem.

Even at Bristol, where an early race tire and crowded track put his #14 into the wall, he kept cool and drove what he could with no chance to get back up front.

Yes… He has been labeled as moody and cantankerous but to meet and speak with him close in and one on one he is quite the fellow. A sense of humor which borders on the mischievous, self-deprecating one liners and a genuine smile with a glint in his eye like he knows something you don’t characterize the man when out of the racing suit. (more…)

The American Le Mans Series opened today. The big opener known as the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Sports car racing, Prototypes, sunshine.

Unlike Formula 1 which had their practice sessions pushed back to race day because of very heavy rain, Sebring is boasting sun and mid-70’s on the thermometer.

Not that at we can watch. At home SPEED channel is available in lovely 16×9 HD. However, on the road and staying a bit out of the way, SPEED is not available on the TV we have. ESPN3 – NADA. The alternative is to go online but the ALMS website feed is shown as unavailable in the viewing area. (more…)

Weather. What can you do?

Now, imagine you are shopping for a new automobile. A sedan, sports coupe… perhaps a convertible. The anticipation of the choice, the test drive… Perhaps the thoughts of that first getaway embraced by new car smell as scenery passes by fighting for your attention from the rolling road.

…And it is raining. There is little you can do. The schedule is set. You take what you can.

It just so happens your new car sports an engine producing around 800 horsepower, has no fenders, no top, no cup holders and only one seat. (more…)

Trucks. Racing them seems weird on the surface of it.

They pull with engines full of torque and low gear power. Speed is not their first function of design.

Yet they are the vehicle of choice for NASCAR for high speed and tight racing as the Camping World Truck Series.

They opened the season at Daytona and with more than a month off return to racing in April at Martinsville. After that, the schedule fills up and the run for points tightens up. It is no small wonder, with an essential season reboot, that teams and drivers took a run at Martinsville in mid-March for a refresher.

Stepping, somewhat, out of the shadows of their fathers are Jeb Burton and Chase Elliott. Their fathers, Ward and Bill, carry some weight but as the sons made clear once the call to start engines is on the race is all in the driver’s seat. The advice and pep talks ride in the back of the mind and it is up to them to apply their own skills to the track. (more…)