View Full Version : The Duel at Talladega
CHEMICAL SOLDIER
10-03-2004, 08:15 PM
Was watching today's Nascar race at Talladega and I wasn't disappointed, The race was pretty competative as is usually the case at Talladega.
But the greatest moment of the race if not the year in motorsports took place when Earnhardt Jr. who pitted for 2 tires with 10 laps to go came back from an 11th place restart to 1st to win the race.
Jr. fought his way to the front,drafting past Tony Stewart and holding off A late charge by Kevin Harvick and the pack to win. It was a real incredible race and another chapter wwritten in The Fight to The Finish.
GrantDawg
10-03-2004, 08:16 PM
I haven't watched a single race this year. I usually catch a few.
CHEMICAL SOLDIER
10-03-2004, 08:18 PM
What amazed me was that alot of seats in the grandstands were empty. Have never seen that ever at a ''major race.''
Furthermore I think that the come from behind victory further solidifies Jr's growth as a race car driver.
The "chase" will hurt NASCAR, more than it will help it. The first two races have had decreased ratings from last year....
GrantDawg
10-03-2004, 08:29 PM
The "chase" will hurt NASCAR, more than it will help it. The first two races have had decreased ratings from last year....
Why do you think that is? Purist not watching? I don't see how the two could be connected.
TroyF
10-03-2004, 08:38 PM
What amazed me was that alot of seats in the grandstands were empty. Have never seen that ever at a ''major race.''
Furthermore I think that the come from behind victory further solidifies Jr's growth as a race car driver.
It's about time. The guy's 30. I've never seen people make more of a guy without a points championship at that age than they do with Little E.
He's a good driver and always has been, but he's matured incredibly late as a driver. (and I do agree with you, this was a big step)
Why do you think that is? Purist not watching? I don't see how the two could be connected.
Well, if nothing else, it hasn't sparked the interest they thought it would...
GrantDawg
10-03-2004, 08:45 PM
Well, if nothing else, it hasn't sparked the interest they thought it would...
I can see that. I just can't see were it would actually drive ratings down. It still begs the question why is it down?
Blackadar
10-03-2004, 08:49 PM
Why do you think that is? Purist not watching? I don't see how the two could be connected.
Because the "chase" is a joke now and I think most people realize that. It is an extremely artifical mechanism that has the net effect of actually reducing any legitimacy to any "champion". People want to see it determined legitimately, not when some teams get a 400 point leg up because they weren't as good during most of the year. NASCAR is a joke now. I live in the heart of NASCAR country and most people cannot believe how bad this new "race for the championship" is. There are still tickets available for the Lowes Motor Speedway race in two weeks here (under the lights), something that doesn't often happen. But a lot of people are very turned off by the absurdity of the new system.
GrantDawg
10-03-2004, 08:57 PM
Because the "chase" is a joke now and I think most people realize that. It is an extremely artifical mechanism that has the net effect of actually reducing any legitimacy to any "champion". People want to see it determined legitimately, not when some teams get a 400 point leg up because they weren't as good during most of the year. NASCAR is a joke now. I live in the heart of NASCAR country and most people cannot believe how bad this new "race for the championship" is. There are still tickets available for the Lowes Motor Speedway race in two weeks here (under the lights), something that doesn't often happen. But a lot of people are very turned off by the absurdity of the new system.
So it really is the "purist?" I'm surprised. I really didn't think it would cause much of a bump, but drive people away? It is still racing.
Blackadar
10-03-2004, 09:02 PM
So it really is the "purist?" I'm surprised. I really didn't think it would cause much of a bump, but drive people away? It is still racing.
I think it's really hurt the hardcore fan. It's taken some of the legitimacy of the championship away IMHO (and the opinion of others in the area).
Dutch
10-03-2004, 09:04 PM
NASCAR is horrible.
Somebody bumped Dale Jr. and they announced, "He's been scolded and told to 'settle down' out there."
Everybody bumps the guy that bumped Dale....nothing. Somebody bumps Dale (a teammate) and gives him a boost into first place "ooh, they are tradin' paint!".
Everybody races everybody except Dale. Dale gets a free pass to do whatever he wants.
The Camera's on Dale's car no matter where he is in the pack.
It's like Dale and a bunch of 'bots' out there.
NASCAR blows. I only watch it for the wrecks, which are fun to watch, I must admit, and why I love Talledega. But no big car crashes today....boo-hoo...
wait until Toyota joins the Cup ranks.... I think you'll see a mass exit of these purist fans....
GrantDawg
10-03-2004, 09:09 PM
wait until Toyota joins the Cup ranks.... I think you'll see a mass exit of these purist fans....
Yup, and prove the dumb redneck image.
henry296
10-03-2004, 09:10 PM
The "chase" will hurt NASCAR, more than it will help it. The first two races have had decreased ratings from last year....
Maybe because they were on TNT and not on NBC like last year.
Maybe because they were on TNT and not on NBC like last year.
I didn't realize that, but checked it and it is correct. They still lost out to the NFL, SpongeBob and the WWF :) on cable. I guess we'll have to wait until Wednesday for an accurate ratings comparison.
Draft Dodger
10-03-2004, 10:08 PM
Well, if nothing else, it hasn't sparked the interest they thought it would...
it sure has sparked mine.
that was a terrific finish.
SunDancer
10-03-2004, 11:29 PM
wait until Toyota joins the Cup ranks.... I think you'll see a mass exit of these purist fans....
Yeap....but Toyota could be the greatest thing to happen to NASCAR in my mind. Break down the "redneck image", and expand on its growing popularity.
Draft Dodger
10-03-2004, 11:37 PM
wait until Toyota joins the Cup ranks.... I think you'll see a mass exit of these purist fans....
yeah, I'm sure the zillons of NASCAR fans will suddenly just up and walk away because of it.
yeah, I'm sure the zillons of NASCAR fans will suddenly just up and walk away because of it.I'm not a NASCAR troll or anything of the sort, but trust me on this. I like their business model and admire how far they've come. Maybe it won't be the inclusion of Toyota that is the downfall, but I promise, it will start it.... Toyota will force one or two of it's teams to run Japanses drivers. NASCAR doesn't take kindly to outsiders... look at Robby Gordon or any of the so-called "ringers" on road courses. When Toyota gets their foot in the door, Honda will shortly follow. One or two of the American engine companies will claim they can't compete and fold. As costs esculate, teams are forced to put pay drivers in their seats, leading to ride-buyers. This leads to a diverse field, of many different nationalities. Soon, NASCAR is racing in Canada, Mexico, Japan and Europe..... thus the exodus of many, many fans....
CHEMICAL SOLDIER
10-04-2004, 10:05 AM
I wouldn't mind a few exhibition races OCONUS (Outside Continental US) but ''globalization'' will most likely ruin the sport.
Talladega overnight ratings....
Overnight Ratings Off
NBC's coverage of Sunday’s EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway drew a 4.6 overnight rating and a 9 share from Nielsen Media Research, today's Sports Business Daily reports. The overnight rating represents a 2.1 percent drop from last year's overnight 4.7. The 2003 race went on to earn a final 5.5/12, which NASCAR said was the highest rating any auto race had ever earned against professional football broadcasts.
Bonegavel
10-05-2004, 12:24 PM
People predicted the end of nascar every time major changes have been made. Didn't they hail the end of NASCAR when Winston took over?
To me, they should revoke the title NASCAR because the cars are anything but stock. At least a few years ago the cars still looked like their showroom cousins. Now, you need to be able to see the emblem sticker on the hood to tell them apart.
However, Nascar has proven, if anything, that their decisions are usually the right decisions no matter what people think. In the end, however, I think they should use the Busch series to test major changes before going Live in Cup.
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