Martin at TalladegaThe average fan may not think of it this way, but as far as I’m concerned Sunday was one of the worst days for NASCAR in a long time. It’s unfortunate because it was (arguably) the most anticipated race of the season – Talladega during the Chase. To the untrained eye, it probably appeared normal – the usual 190 miles per hour and the usual big crash(es) at the end. But that doesn’t even begin to tell the story.
CHASE RACE
The number one problem is that Jimmie Johnson all but locked up the title. It’s like me giving Usain Bolt a 10 meter lead in the 100. Oh, sure… I could close the gap, but win?? That’s the dilemma Martin, Gordon and company face. Unfortunately for NASCAR, with three races to go, viewership is likely to dwindle. Where are the conspiracy theorists now? The last thing in the world NASCAR wanted was for the Chase to be over this early!
And, if that wasn’t enough, it’s going to be the fourth straight title for JJ. Since his name isn’t Jimmie J. Earnhardt, that means a huge chunk of NASCAR fans are bored – bored with seeing the same person (nice as he is, boring as he appears) finish first.
HOW DID IT HAPPEN
JJ rode around all day buried in the back of the pack. He really didn’t even put on a meaningful move as the end of the race approached. However, as a result of some good timing, he pitted early enough to allow him to go the distance on a tank of gas. Martin and Gordon? They had to pit with a few laps to go and dropped from having a huge advantage over JJ to falling even farther behind in the points.
More amazing is that there were two late crashes that involved multiple cars. The first one happened to the front and side of Johnson. He managed to slide by on the low side. The second happened immediately behind him beginning with the car on his bumper. If either wreck takes him out, the Chase race might still be up in the air. In the day’s final ultimate irony, the last crash did take out Martin and Gordon.
As it turns out, Johnson ended the day #6 – near his high for the day - while his chasers Martin and Gordon finished 28th and 20th – near their lows for the day.
The winner was Jamie McMurray (Joplin native). Good for him, but another blow to NASCAR. No much for the masses to cheer about.
NASCAR’S DECISION
I’m a huge fan of the organization. As far as I’m concerned the job they have done building the sport has been fantastic. However, in what is sure to be a controversial decision that will simmer over the winter, NASCAR changed the rules at the last minute telling drivers they would not be allowed to bump draft on the corners. What that meant is that they would not be allowed push each other all the way around the track. Can you say the word “conservative”?
Back to Talladega in April - one of the most exciting races in NASCAR history. Keselowski literally pushed Edwards around the track the last couple laps. With two to go, they were 7th and 8th. By they time they reached the final turn, they moved into first and second. Of course, at that point, Kes decided he didn’t want to play second fiddle and dropped underneath Edwards for the pass. Carl moved to cut him off and the rest is history. Kes won. Edwards went airborne into the fence spraying debris on the crowd.
Clearly, NASCAR did not want a repeat of that incident even though bump drafting was not the cause. Although they raised the fences and narrowed the gaps, they were apparently spooked (can anyone say “insurance threats”). As it turns out, the decision to prohibit bump drafting on the corners had a profound effect on the race.
Talladega should be three cars wide around every turn on every lap. Instead, cars were often in single file. I recall one particular camera angle where every single car was in one single line. I’ve never seen that before. Talk about boring! Of course, it didn’t stay that way. In the end, it was every man with four tires for himself. Despite NASCAR’s repeated warnings (even in the final laps), drivers pushed the envelope. And, like always at Talladega, the envelope pushed back.
I’m disappointed the best race of the year was a let down – especially compared to the spring version. Presumably, before 2010’s race, NASCAR will decide what they can do to maintain excitement without removing the risk/reward variable that makes Talladega what it is.
And, speaking of next year, if you don’t feel the need to watch any of the final three races this season, I can’t blame you. My guy (Mark Martin) is still in second and that’s pretty incredible. But, second is old news to the old guy. He fell one spot short in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002. Who needs to be another runner-up? Who needs another Jimmie Johnson championship?
what an ass.
Sunday was one of the worst days for NASCAR in a long time.
what he dont remember Indy last year. the bigges nascar / goodyear fuck up I can remember????
Talladega should be three cars wide around every turn on every lap. Instead, cars were often in single file. I recall one particular camera angle where every single car was in one single line. I’ve never seen that before. Talk about boring!
OMFG!! just about every ristrictor plate track race I have seen has them running around the top in one line for lap after lap. :never seen that before?" what an ass. seen it tones of times.
Sure the race did kind of suck. but to me it seems you just wanted to see cars wreck.
you want excitment?? then stop pissing amd crying when Kyle runs 3 wide by himself at Daytona! you piss and cry about how that kid needs to be tought a lesson by the old timers then you cry you ass off that oh the race sucked.
can't have it both ways moose twit.
