Rating the Races – The best and the worst of 2013
It is not surprising that the race I thought was the most entertaining in 2013 was on one of the circuit’s premier venues. It was not a surprise to see the winner of that race the now six time champion. What was a surprise was that the race was broadcast on…get this…ESPN!
Best Race of the Year – As usual, Daytona in July provided us with a visual spectacle. Lap by lap there was always the promise that all hell might break loose and we were amazed when it did not. However, it did, as the likes of Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, A.J. Allmendinger, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola, and Martin Truex Jr all ended the day on the hook. Then there was the final lap, where things did go a bit sideways after the green-white-checker took us into overtime. Carl Edwards got spun by Scott Speed in turn one, collecting four of the lesser lights, as Jimmie Johnson beat out Tony Stewart to claim his fourth of the season. Not even the horrid broadcast crew could mess this one up.
Honorable Mentions – Bristol (March), Fontana, Talladega (both), Sonoma
Worst Race of the Year – They race twice at Texas. In the spring, the big story was the NRA sponsorship. Not even FOX recognized who paid the big bucks to have their name up in lights. In November, we could have only hoped for such a distraction. Dull, dull, dull as Johnson led two-thirds of the event, Dale Earnhardt Jr finished a distant second, and fans could not wait for the season to come to an end. They turned left a lot, we had a couple of debris cautions and another to clean up some oil. Damn, that was exciting. Visually, it was almost as stimulating as watching paint dry, but not quite, and if you expected the ESPN announcers to dig into their bag of tricks to keep us entertained, you should have known better.
Dishonorable mentions – Dover (September), Charlotte (October), Martinsville (October)
Best 2 Race Track – Daytona provided some great action in July, but February’s Daytona 500 gave us a good start to the season. It was not perfection, as even the new cars could not slingshot by the leader and the inside line could not challenge them on the outside. However, the FOX crew did a great job setting the mood, reminding us of NASCAR’s past, the progression of the six generation of race cars, the driver intros, and the action was good enough to make it a fulfilling way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions – Talladega, Richmond, Bristol, Kansas
Worst 2 Race Track – My wife has a cousin who lives in Fort Worth. I have always thought one year, in either April or November, that it would be so nice to visit Andy and his family. You know, catch up, dip in his pool, and just maybe wander down the few miles to the west and check out that little racetrack and take in a little NASCAR. Maybe it might be best if we just stayed pool side.
Dishonorable mentions – Martinsville, Charlotte, Dover
Biggest Surprise of the Year – As much as having ESPN broadcast the most entertaining race of the year shocked me, the fact the action from California’s Fontana venue was top notch was another pleasant surprise. Two drivers with bad blood between them battled it out for the final three laps. When Hamlin and Joey Logano wrecked themselves, Kyle Busch shot to the front for the win, Denny went to the hospital, and Tony tried to kick Joey’s ass. The action was spread out, but there was racing and there was passing. It was the most entertaining race I have ever seen broadcast out of Fontana.
Biggest Disappointment of the Year – I have always loved Charlotte, the home of the NASCAR family and home to the World 600. Then there was Charlotte in October. It was lap after lap of whatever and who cares. I wish a win by Brad Keselowski might give me the warm and fuzzies, but it does not. Both the all-star race and the 600 endurance test were entertaining. Maybe if they had a camera fall out of the sky in the fall, like they did in May, or have engines blow up or have big name drivers take out other big name drivers it might have been different. Sadly, it was not. Maybe if it had been broadcast on FOX.
Rating the Broadcasters – In rating the races out of 10, TNT had a five race average of 8.3, FOX at 8.2 over their 13 broadcasts. ABC/ESPN was an 7.2 over their 18. I will miss TNT when they go but 2015 can not come quick enough so we can say goodbye to Allan, Dale, Rusty, and Brad. NBC is bringing in Rick Allen and Jeff Burton. See, good things really do happen for those who wait.
Being at the track does provide a very different feel than being on a couch thousands of miles away. However, from that vantage point, with these eyes, this is how I saw the 2013 Cup season unfold, thanks to the networks who broadcast all the action to our homes.
|
# |
Site |
Winner |
Miles |
Cau |
Rating |
|
1 |
Daytona |
Jimmie Johnson |
500 |
6 |
8.5 |
|
2 |
Phoenix |
Carl Edwards |
316 |
8 |
8.5 |
|
3 |
Las Vegas |
Matt Kenseth |
401 |
5 |
8 |
|
4 |
Bristol |
Kasey Kahne |
267 |
10 |
9 |
|
5 |
Fontana |
Kyle Busch |
400 |
9 |
9 |
|
6 |
Martinsville |
Jimmie Johnson |
263 |
12 |
7.5 |
|
7 |
Fort Worth |
Kyle Busch |
501 |
7 |
7 |
|
8 |
Kansas |
Matt Kenseth |
401 |
8 |
7.5 |
|
9 |
Richmond |
Kevin Harvick |
305 |
11 |
8.5 |
|
10 |
Talladega |
David Ragan |
511 |
5 |
9 |
|
11 |
Darlington |
Matt Kenseth |
501 |
5 |
8 |
|
12 |
Charlotte |
Kevin Harvick |
600 |
11 |
8 |
|
13 |
Dover |
Tony Stewart |
400 |
7 |
8.5 |
|
14 |
Pocono |
Jimmie Johnson |
400 |
6 |
8 |
|
15 |
Michigan |
Greg Biffle |
400 |
8 |
8 |
|
16 |
Sonoma |
Martin Truex, Jr. |
219 |
7 |
9 |
|
17 |
Kentucky |
Matt Kenseth |
401 |
10 |
8 |
|
18 |
Daytona |
Jimmie Johnson |
403 |
6 |
10 |
|
19 |
Loudon |
Brian Vickers |
320 |
12 |
8.5 |
|
20 |
Indianapolis |
Ryan Newman |
400 |
3 |
8 |
|
21 |
Pocono |
Kasey Kahne |
400 |
9 |
7 |
|
22 |
Watkins Glen |
Kyle Busch |
221 |
8 |
8 |
|
23 |
Michigan |
Joey Logano |
400 |
9 |
7.5 |
|
24 |
Bristol |
Matt Kenseth |
267 |
11 |
7.5 |
|
25 |
Atlanta |
Kyle Busch |
501 |
9 |
7.5 |
|
26 |
Richmond |
Carl Edwards |
300 |
5 |
8.5 |
|
27 |
Chicago |
Matt Kenseth |
401 |
9 |
6 |
|
28 |
Loudon |
Matt Kenseth |
317 |
7 |
6 |
|
29 |
Dover |
Jimmie Johnson |
400 |
4 |
5.5 |
|
30 |
Kansas |
Kevin Harvick |
401 |
15 |
9 |
|
31 |
Charlotte |
Brad Keselowski |
501 |
4 |
5.5 |
|
32 |
Talladega |
Jamie McMurray |
500 |
3 |
9 |
|
33 |
Martinsville |
Jeff Gordon |
263 |
17 |
5.5 |
|
34 |
Fort Worth |
Jimmie Johnson |
501 |
5 |
5 |
|
35 |
Phoenix |
Kevin Harvick |
312 |
8 |
6.5 |
|
36 |
Homestead |
Denny Hamlin |
401 |
8 |
7 |
Canadian Motor Speedway: Full Construction Ahead
Despite setbacks, Canadian Motor Speedway have announced that construction of the track in Fort Erie, Ontario is on the correct course.
Phase-one of the land development was the re-construction of Miller Creek, and that began on Tuesday October 8th. Aecon Construction has been working hard, moving over 200 thousand tons of top soil and clay. The main flow channel of Miller Creek excavation is completed with the banks of the creek grass hydro-seeded. The trees will be planted in the spring.
CMS Partner and Executive Director Azhar Mohammad said it’s great to see progress and after attending a NASCAR race in the United States, he hears people talking about the project.
“Everyone we spoke to knows about CMS,” he said. “Everybody is talking about the buzz in Canada in the motorsport industry. Everyone has a detailed understanding of what we’ve gone through the last few years, and now they know the project has finally started. CMS designer Jeff Gordon has been such a great ambassador for Canadian Motor Speedway.”
A small ground breaking ceremony was done with top executives, however, a more formal bigger one will be done next year.
“We really want the CMS fans and the public to be part of the celebration. We are definitely planning a memorable event that will involve Jeff Gordon, who will address the fans to thank them for their loyal support on what will be a very special day”, Mohammad continued.
The Canadian Motor Speedway project kicked off as part of a partnership with Jeff Gordon and Paxton Waters.
In February, Jeff Gordon’s step-dad John Bickford said that Gordon has wanted a race in Canada since going to Japan for an exhibition race in 1998. Gordon also questioned the trip to Mexico, continuing to ask for that race. When he learned that there was no facility available, that is when the project began.
“Jeff has always wanted to come to Canada,” Bickford said. “He and I were here in 1989/1990. We’ve always been big supporters. Canadian race fans have supported Jeff throughout his entire career. So I think the idea of giving back is an important component. We’re just advocates of giving back to the Canadian race fans and we’re not giving up.”
Canadian fans have proven their dedication in the past, with the attendance at events in the United States being made up of 10-20% Canadians.
Moving forward, CMS is looking at what architectural firm to work with to start getting the formal blueprints done.
“We should have an architectural firm selected by mid-February. To develop a detailed site plan will take approximately three months to reflect the approved zoning bylaw.” Mohammad added. “The design will reflect the .7 mile oval and 2 mile road course with grandstands, as well as the multi-use aspects of the CMS vision… the hockey rink, the concert venue, and infrastructure to support McMaster University and Niagara College. We are looking to submit our final site plan to the Town of Fort Erie in April, with a projected construction start on pre-grading and site alteration work by mid- summer .”
When the formal ceremony is done, it will green-flag eighteen months of construction as officials hope to have the track race-ready for 2016.
NBC Signs Jeff Burton and Rick Allen to Commentating Position
The NBC Sports Network informed the NASCAR world during champion’s week who their lead commentators will be. Jeff Burton will debut his commentating skills in the summer of 2015 with Rick Allen who will occupy the play-by-play role.
Allen’s widely known for his commentating over the past decade with FOX as the play-by-play commentator for the Camping World Truck Series. His voice is also recognized in numerous TV commercials.
“I met Rick early on in his career and it has been fun to watch him develop into one of the most talented voices in motorsports,” said Sam Flood, NBC Sports and NBCSN executive producer “His energetic delivery, great voice, and ability to bring the best out of his analysts have led him to this well-earned position of covering NASCAR’s most-watched events.”
Burton, 46, will assume the commentating position after he partakes in his final Sprint Cup season. The 21-time Sprint Cup winner will give us the color-commentating aspect in the booth.
Burton first was given the idea of a commentating position after NASCAR announced they’re partnership with the NBCSN. The puzzle pieces then were put into place as Burton parted ways with Richard Childress Racing and then signed part-time with Michael Waltrip Racing for next year.
“I am 100 percent committed to being in the booth and doing my job for NBC. … It would be unfair for me to treat this as a part-time gig,” Burton said.
By assuming the role “100 percent” it means that Burton won’t be seen on the racetrack in 2015 and maybe beyond that.
NBC and NASCAR signed a contract stating that NBC and NBSN will broadcast the final 20 races on the Sprint Cup Series calendar the final 19 races on the Nationwide Series schedule during the 2015 season.
NBC still hasn’t announced whether it will be two or three people calling the race in the booth.
NASCAR Champions Featuring Buck Baker
Cup Champion 1956 and 1957
March 4, 1919 – April 14, 2002
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Career: 1949-1976
Elzie Wylie “Buck” Baker was one of the most dominant drivers in NASCAR during the 1950s. He quickly rose to the top by becoming the first driver to win consecutive Sprint Cup Championships in 1956 and 1957. Baker also had two runner-up seasons in 1955 and 1958.
His strategy was a mixture of determination and the belief that he was capable of winning any race. It didn’t hurt that Baker had a natural talent that cannot be taught.
“You can’t let anyone think you’re not going to win a race,” he said during the interview. “If you talk yourself out of believing you are a winner, then you might as well stay in the pits and let someone else do the driving.
“There were times we left home without money to buy new tires. We didn’t know where the money was coming from. Heck, there’s times we didn’t have money to put gas in the truck to get to the track.
“But someone always came through for what we needed. We always could have used more and better equipment, but I’m talking about don’t let yourself believe you can’t be a winner.”
Baker was known as a hard charger both on and off the track. His competitors knew that too much beating and banging on the track would be dealt with in the pits after the race.
“My dad won his share of races on the track,” said Baker’s son, Buddy, “but I don’t think he ever lost a battle in the pits.”
Baker’s first championship was won while driving for Carl Kiekhaefer, owner of the first mulit-car team in NASCAR. His second championship was won while driving his own cars.
In 636 starts, he won 46 times including three wins at the historic Southern 500 at Darlington Speedway. Baker’s career victory total of 46 ranks 15th all-time.
Baker was also known as one of the most versatile racers of his time. He won races in NASCAR’s Modified, Speedway and Grand American series.
After retiring from NASCAR, he opened the Buck Baker Driving School in 1980. Many of today’s top drivers have attended his school including Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Ward Burton and Tony Stewart.
In 1998 Buck Baker was named as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers and in 2013 he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 83.
Buddy Baker is proud of the talent and tenacity that his father demonstrated in racing and in life.
“He could do things in a race car I could only dream about,” he said. “Throughout the entire racing world, I don’t know of anybody who would have said he didn’t give 110% from the time they dropped the green flag until the race was over. He was the same way in life, too.”
Accomplishments:
1982 – Inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame
1990 – Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
1998 – Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
1998 – Named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers
2010 – Nominee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
2011 – Nominee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
2012 – Nominee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
2013 – Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Elliott Wins, Later Disqualified; Erik Jones Officially The Winner
Saying Chase Elliott’s weekend was great would be an understatement. The 18-year-old swept the weekend at Five Flags Speedway by winning the Snowflake 100 and Snowball Derby becoming the first driver in history to win both on the same weekend.
Elliott led 233 laps en route to his second victory in the prestigious Super Late Model event. The deciding factor of the race came on lap 272 after a caution fell for Josh Hamner spinning. Elliott’s crew chief, Ricky Turner, decided to take two tires despite having four behind the wall.
During the final caution Grant Enfinger stayed on the racetrack with only seven cylinders and was quickly overtaken by Elliott and defending Snowball winner Erik Jones. After the restart it left Elliott in clear space to glide to victory lane after demolishing the competition not only on Sunday but the entire weekend.
“It means the world to me honestly,” Elliott said in victory lane, “what a heck of a weekend.” Elliott also gave credit to his crew chief, a former Snowball Derby winner himself. “It was a great call,” Elliott said of a late race pit stop. “Two tires was the right call.”
Jones finished the event second in his Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 51 machine. He was followed by Enfinger, Austin Theriault and Hunter Robbins rounded out the top five.
“We wanted just a few more laps or a caution and if he still won, he would’ve had to work for it.” Jones said disappointingly.
“The car was still really good on long runs,” Enfinger said. “I think if we had all eight cylinders we would’ve been better on short runs and had a chance to win.”
Daniel Hemric, Southern Super Series champion, had issues in the early going that forced him to retire from the race along with Augie Grill. Talladega Sprint Cup winner of this season, David Ragan, was forced from the race as well with a broken ball joint.
UPDATED: After all the hyped cooled down from Elliott’s impressive win he was disqualified by Five Flags officials for having tungsten in the car which is illegal. Following Elliott’s disqualification it gave the victory to Erik Jones meaning he won the Snowball Derby back-to-back years.
Elliott declined comments with the Media.
“It was an oversight on my part. I messed up,” Ricky Turner, Elliott’s Crew Chief said.
Tungsten is lead that adds weight allowing the car to pull to the track. According to Speed51.com another one of the competitors spotted the tungsten quickly alerting officials. The tungsten weighed 36 pounds and the rule is in place because of how expensive the lead is.
Jones became the first driver since Augie Grill to win back-to-back Snowball Derby’s.
