First, the rules were changed for the, pre-season opening, Bud Shootout at Daytona. These new rules basically give Jr a lifetime exemption to the Shootout. Under last year's rules, Jr wouldn't have made the show this year. I will admit this year's rules are much better than last year's were.
Next up, coming to grips with the fact that Jr can't get a handle on the COT after 3 years of trying. What to do, what to do? How about if they replace the rear wing with a spoiler (TBA 1-21-09). What else ya got? They could remove the out of bounds lines so that when he goes below them, and (once again) he doesn't get penalized, the fans won't call out NASCAR for their double standards (TBA 1-21-09). Nice, I like it.
He hasn't won a plate race since they instituted the no bump-draft zones in the turns. Right, right. They're gone, too (TBA 1-21-09). They could make the COT even more like what Jr likes by removing the front splitter. Let's see how he tests with the changes we already have before they do that.
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Ah Gene, I wish Junior were as powerful as you imply but it is clear very few can actually drive the COT as is and there is only one crew chief that can actually adjust it correctly!
ReplyDeleteWhile I pray to God these upcoming rule "adjustments" will help Jr, I hope it helps the rest of them b/c without someone challenging JJ we are back to witnessing history.
What Kristen said!!!
ReplyDeleteGene,
ReplyDeleteAnd I haven't disclosed the emails yet! :)
All they need to do is give prior champions weight disadvantage per championship. Let's see JJ-4, JG-4 and TS-2. Plus KB-1. That may work! :)
Annette
can someone tell me what the point of the Bud-shootout now is?
ReplyDeleteKristen...I believe his performance over the last 3 years has been in direct correlation to NASCAR's TV ratings and live attendance. Jr running up front for the first month of the season would bring all the viewers back, to TV anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for these changes. They have to help, don't they?
ATH...what I said to K.
IG...While I wrote this, I was thinking that your email format would be much better. Next time, I'll send you the idea..LOL
ReplyDeleteTez....A test session for the top teams?
ReplyDeleteI was glad that Schrader got in this year. He led about half the Shootout 3-4 years ago in the Wood's #21. I look for Red Bull to somehow get Scott Speed in the Shootout after Schrader qualifies the car. :(
GENE,
ReplyDeleteI HAVE TO AGREE WITH KRIS, DON'T THINK JR. HAS QUITE THAT MUCH PULL, BUT RIC HENDRIX, JOE GIBBS AN RICHARD CHILDRESS MIGHT.
ANYWAY ALL WE CAN DO IS HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE CHAGES DO NASCAR SOME GOOD MOX NIX IF IT HELPS JR.
GUNAQUAT
I love the part about him going below the yellow line. I remember that race at Talladega when he passed Kenseth below the line in Turn 4 and NASCAR still gave him the win. I'm still not happy about it. lol
ReplyDeleteGUN...Jr doesn't have to ask NASCAR for help, they finally realized the main reason why they've lost so many fans over the last three years. I like the changes, and they have to help, it couldn't be any worse. lol
ReplyDeleteJM...I don't believe he was penalized last Daytona 500 when he went below the line and caused the big one.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. They're actually doing things I've wanted done for a while. Ironically, the more they do to help Junior, the worse he looks because he doesn't have as many excuses for why he isn't winning races...
ReplyDeletehey Gene, do you know why NASCAR changed the front of the car? Wouldn't this car be a little more aerodynamic with the 'old' fronts but the current back or would you still be able to lift the guy in front of you off the ground?
ReplyDeleteTez....When the truck series finally got to race on the superspeedways, NASCAR believed that their boxiness, and adjustable front splitters, were what made them put on the best racing out of the three series at the plate tracks. That's why they included the front splitter on the COT. I agree with you, the old, cow catcher, front end spoilers with a rear wing may have been the way to go from the COT's start. I think either front end would lift the current rear end up, though.
ReplyDeleteGong....I like the changes, but as far as improving Jr as a driver....You can lead a horse to water, but....
Well I do agree that NASCAR does have to conjure up something to get the fans back in the seats but I don't have a clue what it would be. Jr. in the Shoot Out for ever is not the answer.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Dainca Patrick in NASCAR might help revive the male audience.