NASCAR: Trucks at Eldora? My thoughts

I know I said I'd write something about Randy Bernard. I have a big story in my head that I will soon put on paper. Erm, type on a screen.

For now, there is some massive news in the world of NASCAR. Multiple sources are saying that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be making a stop at The Big 'E', Eldora Speedway in 2013. According to RacingReference.info from a source of a NASCAR.com article written by Mark Aumann on June 7th of this year, the last time any NASCAR series raced on dirt was circa 1970. Now, let that sink in. Times have changed since the 60's and 70's. The cars have changed, technology has changed, and driver talent has changed. These trucks have never touched a dirt track in their 17 year history. Not many truck regulars, except for a few brought up racing at their local dirt tracks, would have a fighting chance at Eldora. Now, that being said, this would be a massive plus for any up and coming dirt racer who is lucky enough to sign on for a one race deal to get discovered. In that case, this would be their race, granted they can drive the truck. There would defiantly need to be new tires. Goodyear would need to do some serious R&D to figure out what they should do with the tire. Not only that, but the front splitter on the truck would need to either be gone or redesigned for this one race. Seems sorta like a huge investment to buy a whole new truck for just one race. Especially the really small start up teams. They could skip the race, but it would be incredibly embarrassing to see less than 36 trucks show up. That brings me to the other topic. There is some potential for NASCAR to mimic IndyCar's resurrection of heat races. That could be a very good idea that would really throw in some variety.

The big thing however, is the fact that reports state: "The track, owned by Cup driver #14-Tony Stewart, does not have energy-absorbing SAFER barriers installed and no permanent medical facility on property. Sources said NASCAR is expected to waive its policy adapted beginning in 2005 that SAFER barriers be installed at all oval tracks hosting its three national series. Why NASCAR is willing to make an exception in this case is unclear."(Jayski.com)

We all would rather see a good clean race than a driver be injured. Sacrificing safety in the name in entertainment is the last thing that motorsports in America needs at this time. In the wake of the late Dan Wheldon, many people alleged (and still to this day, if you can believe it) that his death was caused by sacrificing safety for the sake of entertainment. A desperate ploy for IndyCar to regain it's name and increase excitement throughout the series. While I disagree with some of that, many people would probably be first to jump on that bandwagon and say that NASCAR would be sacrificing safety for entertainment. Without SAFER Barriers and a medical center on location, Eldora is not a suitable track for NASCAR. There have been some terrifying accidents at dirt tracks in the past. Stock Trucks share the same probability as a dirt late model does of suffering a tremendous accident on dirt. Either Tony Stewart would have to pony up the money to install SAFER barriers on his track, and build a medical center, or this possible decision by NASCAR will be thrown under fire. We shall see what happens.

NASCAR: Phoenix Post-Race Reactions

I will have more articles about my thoughts on Randy Bernard and the US GP at CoTA in the coming days. But right now, I must make a post race reaction post.

Whatever it was that we just watched, was...well, crazy. Was it good? Oh heavens no. Was it bad? Well, no. It was just insane.

I'll start with the big headlines. Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson, going head to head in one heck of a title fight. NASCAR has some great fights going on this year. All the nay sayers to the Chase might have a point, but if these points battles don't excite you, well, today's race had to have.

However, I for one found this race exciting for all the wrong reasons. First of all, Jimmie was driving it far too hard all day. He had good reason to however. When you are looking at a point here and a point there to expand your lead, I would probably race pretty hard as well. But when you make a mistake doing so, well, hindsight is 20/20. Brad however, kept his cool and drove a clean race.

But that's not what I'm upset about. What I'm upset about, was NASCAR's calling. As a fan, I expect every call to be in the best interest of the fairness and safety of the drivers. Clearly, what was displayed in those last 30 laps was not that. Jeff Gordon first off going after Clint Bowyer. I can tell you how easily that whole mess and embarrassment could have been avoided. When I can see debris coming off the #24 on TV, you need to call a caution. But for whatever reason, NASCAR decides to keep in green. What happens there? Jeff Gordon pays back Clint Bowyer for (allegedly) 5 wrong doings. I could spend hours debating who is in the right there - but that is not the point of this article. The fact is, there could have been an entirely different turn out had NASCAR called a caution. Jeff Gordon had damage to his car which caused him to throw debris all over the track, and NASCAR doing nothing allowed Jeff to retaliate against Bowyer. Granted, lord knows if he would have done it under caution or not. So, I suppose that might have been the best in hindsight. But still, unacceptable.

Now on to what has all the fans fired up on Twitter. Jeff Burton turns Danica Patrick out of a possible top 15 finish, which impressed many fans from what I've seen on Twitter. Regardless of who's fault that was, it was clear there was oil on the track. Turn 4 and the frontstreach were in NO WAY safe for racing. And what we saw on the final lap was similar to a call Brian Barnhart would make.

I can say that I am disgusted as a fan, and would most likely be disgusted as a driver or car owner. But since I am a fan, I will say that in retrospect, it was rather exciting. But not the way it should have been exciting.