NASCAR race at Darlington

I’m watching the race now.

Lots of crashes but I don’t know what’s typical for the sport.

Are we paying the price for skipping practice or is this business as usual?

Tks!!!  Forgot they were going live this weekend. 

I don't watch Nascar as much as I do other racing, but it's often on at my house if there's nothing else on.  I think the cautions are a little higher than normal.  The first lap race I think had a lot to do with the no practice.  I figure not only the no practice issue, but the teams are shaking off the cobwebs of not being in it for two months.  I don't think it's like the winter break because with the reduced contact, teams haven't been able to practice pit stops, run simulations, drive sims, do suspension/engine tuning, etc.

I'm just glad racing is back. 

-Rob

Right on Rob,

This is the first NASCAR race I've ever adjusted my schedule to watch and have been involved in from start to finish.  I'm just so, so grateful to hear real time engine and tire sounds.

Baby steps...it's a real race in real time; I'm watching it. 

The announcers are clearly aware that they have lots of first-time viewers, so we're getting a healthy does of "NASCAR 101" from them. It reminds me of when NBC would put F1 races on the "big" network.

I kinda like the no practice. Teams rely on past track notes and adjust on the fly. Reminds me of Saturday night racers at your local track. 

Glad to see it's back.

This is a Darlington race.  If you watch the in car cameras, the drivers are sawing on the wheel hard.  Nasty, narrow old track, with fairly major differences end to end.  

The best mile and a half track on the circuit.

Hi fasted58,

Or, as my motocross racer friend likes to say, "it isn't a race if there isn't a jump."

i.e., no practice = placing a metaphorical jump on the track;  nice.   

Streetwiseguy said:

This is a Darlington race.  If you watch the in car cameras, the drivers are sawing on the wheel hard.  Nasty, narrow old track, with fairly major differences end to end.  

The best mile and a half track on the circuit.

Darlington and Rockingham both are in or near the Sandhills and are not far Apart.    Both tracks get a lot of sand blowing onto them, which eats tires and makes the driving spirited.  A lot of drivers hate Darlington.  Kyle Petty said they should flood it and stock it with fish.  The track I actually pretty wide, but the groove is Narrow.  

I’ve been looking forward to seeing real racing again. And it’s nice to see a race where there’s no paper and trash blowing around the track. 

I tried watching since there is no other real racing. Could only last 100 laps, competition yellows and stages makes this too manufactured for me to watch.  

Woody said:

I’ve been looking forward to seeing real racing again. And it’s nice to see a race where there’s no paper and trash blowing around the track. 

Unless it's the banners pealing off the walls. 

spitfirebill said:

Streetwiseguy said:

This is a Darlington race.  If you watch the in car cameras, the drivers are sawing on the wheel hard.  Nasty, narrow old track, with fairly major differences end to end.  

The best mile and a half track on the circuit.

Darlington and Rockingham both are in or near the Sandhills and are not far Apart.    Both tracks get a lot of sand blowing onto them, which eats tires and makes the driving spirited.  A lot of drivers hate Darlington.  Kyle Petty said they should flood it and stock it with fish.  The track I actually pretty wide, but the groove is Narrow.  

Not only that, but they where on a new compound for this race, I think that has a ton to do with the cars eating tires.

In reply to Professor_Brap (Forum Supporter) :

Any tire will get eaten up at Darlington. Surface is like Sandpaper.

Will they be posting a highlights video ?

I looked at few clips of the crashes ,   weird to not see anyone in the stands....

I hope they can keep racing ,  will the TV fees pay the bills ? Doubtful !

I watched a bit (not a NASCAR fan) to see if the weirdness made it interesting.  I will give it a confident "meh".  

Nice to see racing back.

I did find that a great way to watch NASCAR is with a lot of fast forward after recording.

I will say good on Nascar for giving it a go. I'm sure they are hoping to get a jump start on being the first group back and having somewhat of a captive audience. Considering they got a big boost from a certain snowstorm and the Daytona 500 way back when it checks out. Honestly watching it I didn't get any difference in the infuence of people in the stands, lack of practice, or any of that. Not sure if those are enough of a new story line to attract folks. Having gone to a few races it is totally different than watching on TV so if ticket sales are bringing the profit then they will be out but those core folks will still tune in I think.

what was jimmy johnson's problem ?     Leading the race and runs into a lapped car.

 guess it is time to retire.

iceracer said:

what was jimmy johnson's problem ?     Leading the race and runs into a lapped car.

 guess it is time to retire.

From what I saw, he pulled up to side draft and gain a bit of speed.  Other driver got a bit loose and had to back out, makinging the rear end wiggle enough to tap Johnson's front and spin him. 

-Rob

They are at it again tonight at Darlington.    Wonder it the lights will make things different ?

This evening race has been fun.  I think the top 20 invert is fab...  We do a total invert for most classes locally, one class does a pill draw, and one starts as qualified.  Their races are much less fun to watch.

I also like the 500km.  A bit less reward for patience, more aggression.  

Streetwiseguy said:

I also like the 500km.  A bit less reward for patience, more aggression.  

Maybe Kyle could have used a bit more patience and a bit less aggression.

That was an oopsie.

Streetwiseguy said:

Streetwiseguy said:

I also like the 500km.  A bit less reward for patience, more aggression.  

Maybe Kyle could have used a bit more patience and a bit less aggression.

That was an oopsie.

Haven't watched, but that sound on brand for Kyle. 

Streetwiseguy said:

Streetwiseguy said:

I also like the 500km.  A bit less reward for patience, more aggression.  

Maybe Kyle could have used a bit more patience and a bit less aggression.

That was an oopsie.

What was hilarious was listening to Jeff Gordon trying to convince himself that it was a mistake. I'm paraphrasing here:

"Well you know, maybe he's fixated on the rear mirror, trying to clear the {} car, and then slid up a bit too early. Usually though a mistake would measured in inches."

It was a dick move, typical of him, he gained nothing by it, and thanks to the rain, lost nothing by it, then tried to explain it away as a mistake. If that was a mistake, he isn't qualified to drive a Kia out there in traffic.


Anyway, I don't usually watch NASCAR anymore. The last time I saw an entire race was more than five years ago. I watched this one for the novelty. Darlington is a wider and more passing track than I remember. Both races were cool, but way too long to be interesting. I lost interest and did dishes, handling kid bedtimes, practiced guitar, and such.